The company’s announcement affects 800 hourly employees, though 1,200 workers will remain in Aurora. In January, Caterpillar announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Chicago and out of its longtime hub in Peoria.

State and local tax hikes in Illinois have hurt economic growth, lowered the standard of living, and contributed to out-migration.

Vugo is the type of technology startup political leaders often herald as the future of Chicago. But taxi protectionism has forced it to leave town.

Nippon Sharyo points to prototype difficulties and unspecified business concerns as the main reasons behind the layoffs.