In 2023, Gotion High-Tech invested USD 2 billion to build a lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Manteno, Illinois. The plant began operations in 2024 and represents the largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing investment in the state.
As production expanded, the facility required a total cooling capacity of 14,600 RT, creating high demands for efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
A Breakthrough in North America
l Large-tonnage centrifugal chiller application in the North American industrial market.
l Proven capability in delivering high-capacity, high-efficiency cooling solutions for complex industrial facilities.
l Successful compliance with stringent U.S. certification and regulatory standards.
Cooling Solution
To meet the cooling and heating demand, MBT deployed:
l 8 ultra-high-efficiency inverter direct-drive centrifugal chillers.
l 40 air-source heat pumps.
l 54 jet air units.
n The centrifugal chillers integrate advanced direct-drive and two stage compression technologies, dual anti-surge protection, and a zero starting current surge design. Using R513A refrigerant, the units achieve a COP of up to 7.2, ensuring stable and energy-efficient operation.
n All equipment complies with stringent North American standards, including AHRI, UL, ASME, and RoHS / REACH / TSCA requirements.
Delivery Solution
To reduce overseas installation risks and logistics complexity, MBT adopted a skid-mounted integrated solution. Core components — including chillers, pumps, and controllers — were pre-assembled and tested in the factory. On-site work was minimized to system connections only.
l Installation cycle reduced by over 70%.
l Lower on-site risk and complexity.
l Improved reliability through factory pre-integration.
l Flexible scalability for future expansion.
l Compact structural design, significantly improving space utilization — ideal for space-constrained projects.
l Simplified maintenance of the mechanical room system, helping reduce long-term operation and maintenance costs.
A New Chapter
The successful delivery of the Gotion High-Tech Chicago Plant project represents a major step for MBT in the U.S. market.
As MBT continues to expand its international presence — across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America — more large-scale chiller systems will be deployed worldwide, supporting reliable, energy-efficient cooling solutions for global industrial clients.
