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Trustees say potential buyer in Rochelle could create thousands of jobs at former Navistar site
Summary
Moorefield Township Trustee and audience members said a company in talks with Rochelle could rehire local workers and create an estimated 5,000–7,000 jobs on undeveloped acreage, though trustees cautioned the outcome is uncertain.
Trustees and residents discussed the ongoing industrial turnover at the former Navistar/International plant and a potential opportunity in Rochelle. Moorefield Township Trustee Daren Cotter said talks with a prospective buyer could result in rehiring local workers and creating an estimated "5,000 to 7,000" jobs on about 80 undeveloped acres at the plant campus; Cotter said the plant manager would remain with the new company and that union representatives were involved in discussions.
Cotter acknowledged uncertainty: "We will see what happens, but they are talking about the possibility of 5,000 to 7,000 jobs," and said the contract at the site runs through Sept. 30, 2026. Audience members recalled Navistar's long local history; some participants said the change could bring a ripple effect benefiting suppliers, housing and transport firms along U.S. 68.
Diana Daniels cautioned that new production potentially serving Immigration and Customs Enforcement could draw protests, noting similar controversies elsewhere. Commissioners and attendees said the economic prospects were promising but unconfirmed.
No formal county endorsement or contract was announced at the work session.
