• November 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gotion Illinois’s Investment in Local Emergency Response Capabilities Showcased During Visit
MANTENO, IL – October 14, 2025 – Gotion Illinois today welcomed Fire Service and EMT leaders from Will and Kankakee Counties for an extensive facility tour led by the Manteno Fire District, demonstrating the company’s industry-leading safety systems, 2024 fire code enhancements and ongoing commitment to community protection.
The tour highlighted Gotion Illinois’ comprehensive approach to workplace and community safety, featuring state-of-the-art fire suppression and detection systems that represent the latest advances in industrial safety technology. Another topic the Fire Service professionals discussed were the new, battery-centric fire codes and how Gotion Illinois has complied Manteno Community Fire Protection District requirement of using the new 2024 fire code, and go above and beyond that rigorous requirement.
“Gotion Illinois has set a new standard for industrial safety in our region,” said Chief Rick Petersen of the Manteno Community Fire District. “Their adherence to the 2024 codes is just one example. Combined with their substantial investment in our local response capabilities, this demonstrates a genuine commitment to protecting both their workforce and our community. The advanced systems we presented today, particularly the F500 foam, bi-directional amplifier and VESDA detection technology, represent best-in-class fire prevention and suppression capabilities.”
The facility tour showcased several cutting-edge safety systems, including:
- F500 Fire Suppression Foam Technology
- VESDA System
- $1m bi-directional communications amplifier
- Comprehensive integrated fire alarm and suppression systemsthroughout the facility
- Emergency response coordination protocolsdeveloped in partnership with local fire departments
“Safety is not just a priority at Gotion Illinois—it’s fundamental to everything we do,” said Mark Kreusel, VP of Manufacturing at Gotion Illinois. “Our partnership with local emergency services goes beyond compliance. We’ve donated over $100,000 in early 2025 alone to enhance our community’s emergency response capabilities, including hazmat PPE, specialized training, and F500 fire suppression equipment. Today’s tour reinforces our commitment to transparency and collaboration with the first responders who help keep our community safe.”
The investment includes critical resources for local fire departments:
- Hazmat personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders
- Specialized training programs for battery manufacturing facility response
- F500 fire suppression foam and application equipment
- Ongoing collaborative training exercises
The VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) system installed at Gotion Illinois is a sophisticated, active aspirating gas/smoke detection (ASD) system that continuously draws air samples through a network of pipes to a central detector to identify even the faintest gasses and/or smoke particles. These systems provide extremely early warnings of potential fires by detecting gasses or smoke in its incipient stages, before it is visible and before standard smoke detectors would activate, thereby allowing crucial time for intervention, investigation, and evacuation. VESDA systems are particularly suited for environments where rapid detection is critical.
Similarly, the F500 encapsulator is a versatile fire-extinguishing agent, effective against Class A fires, involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, or cloth, Class B fires with combustible liquids, Class C fires involving electrical equipment within energized environments, and Class D fires involving combustible metals. It is even effective against complex hazards like three-dimensional or flowing fuel fires and lithium-ion battery fires.
A bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system is a fire safety system that amplifies public safety radio signals inside buildings to eliminate “dead spots” and ensure first responders can communicate during emergencies. These systems are required by code in new and existing buildings to meet emergency communication standards, and they are integrated into the overall fire protection system.
The tour included representatives from fire departments across Will and Kankakee Counties, providing regional emergency services with valuable insights into the facility’s operations and safety protocols. Individual departmental tours and exercises are planned for the future, and as the project enters the next phase of construction.
About Gotion Illinois
Gotion Illinois is a cutting-edge battery manufacturing plant located in Manteno, Illinois. The facility combines advanced automation with skilled labor to produce energy storage systems that support the grid, energy availability and the global shift toward sustainable energy resources.
Media Contacts:
Andrew Wheeler
Head of Government and Public Affairs
Gotion Illinois
Chief Rick Petersen
Manteno Fire Community Fire Protection District
