Local truck assembly plant sold to defense manufacturer

Roshel intends to utilize the facility as its U.S. hub for the production of commercial, special, and armored vehicles.

The facility is a long-standing truck assembly plant that has recently focused on contract manufacturing for a major automotive company.

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This existing contract is scheduled to expire at the end of September, prompting the search for a new operator for the site.

The Springfield property includes more than 2 million square feet of manufacturing space situated on 500 acres.

Samara Strycker serves as the executive vice president and chief financial officer at International Motors LLC.

Strycker said the company’s efforts to find a buyer who recognized the location’s history and workforce.

“With the end of our contract manufacturing agreement, we have been working diligently to find a suitable path for the Springfield Assembly Plant,” Strycker said. “We have been focused on finding a buyer that values the capabilities of this historic facility and the community. We believe this path forward positions the plant for long-term success, while utilizing the manufacturing expertise developed in Springfield over many decades.”

Roshel plans to expand its production of vehicles designed for emergency response, defense, and security operations.

Roman Shimonov is the CEO of Roshel. He stated that the acquisition of the facility strengthens the company’s ability to support domestic automotive programs.

“Adding this Springfield facility, with its rich history, to our U.S. footprint strengthens our ability to support U.S. defense and commercial automotive programs locally,” Shimonov said. “It will allow us, along with our partners, to combine the expertise of the Springfield workforce with our advanced manufacturing capabilities to address a broad range of evolving customer requirements.”

The current contract manufacturing agreement at the plant is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2026.

Closing of the purchase agreement is subject to customary closing conditions.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement regarding the International plant marks a significant moment for our community. For generations, International has played a crucial role in shaping Springfield’s economy by providing quality jobs and helping define the strength and character of our City. We are deeply grateful for the company’s long-standing commitment and the many contributions its workforce has made to our community.

While change is never easy, we are encouraged that International took deliberate steps to identify a buyer for this facility rather than pursue closure. That decision speaks to the value of this plant, its workforce and the Springfield community as a whole.

We welcome Roshel and appreciate their interest in investing in this site. We are hopeful this transition represents a new chapter that can build on Springfield’s strong manufacturing legacy and create future opportunities for jobs and economic growth.

We also recognize that this news brings questions for employees and their families. The City of Springfield stands ready to support our workforce and will continue working alongside company leadership, UAW Local 402, the Greater Springfield Partnership, Clark County government, and regional and state economic development partners to advocate for opportunities that benefit our residents.

Springfield has always been a resilient community, and we will approach this transition with the same strength and determination that have defined us for decades.”

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