Navistar employees assemble a truck frame as the company holds a ribbon cutting ceremony with local government officials at its new factory on the South Side.

A few hundred jobs are about to bring a boost to the San Antonio economy. After years of development and construction, Navistar unveiled its 900,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to city officials on Wednesday, March 23. 

Executives with the international commercial truck maker based in Lisle, Illinois, took city officials on a tour of the facility. They showcased the body shop, paint shop, general assembly shop, and logistics centers. The project has been in the works since 2019. 

Aerial view of the 900,000-square-foot Navistar San Antonio Manufacturing Plant.

Navistar's new $250 million plant located near Mitchell Lake and U.S. Highway 281 on the Southside will bring about 600 jobs to the area, according to a news release. There are already about 500 people working at the facility, the Express-News reports.

"Our goal is to empower an inclusive and engaged community culture, and proudly bring commercial vehicle manufacturing jobs to San Antonio through partnerships with the city, county and community," said Plant Director Rod Spencer in the news release.

The facility can produce Class 6-8 commercial trucks, including electric vehicle models. The plant is expected to have 110 vehicles rolling off the line per day.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg (right) and CPS Energy Interim CEO Rudy Garza (third from left) go on a tour as Navistar held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new factory on the South Side.

Navistar constructed the plant with energy efficient wall paneling, translucent panels to allow natural light in, and LED lights that use 75% less power than conventional lighting.  The plant is the company's model for a sustainable manufacturing facility with the goal of eliminating waste, and reducing energy intensity in San Antonio and other U.S. plants by 20% by 2030.

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Steven Santana is a digital reporter and pop culture weeb born and raised in San Antonio. He graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2013. Reach out at steven.santana@mysa.com. Follow him on Twitter @stevensantana88