Slate Auto, a fast-growing startup focused on manufacturing electric conversion kits for traditional vehicles, made the news public on Thursday. The company will rent a 450,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing plant in Warsaw, Indiana. As it stands today, the proposed site of the new factory—a 1.4 million-square-foot complex—used to run as a printing plant under the ownership of the R.R. Yet at the same time, this location has sat empty for nearly two years.
During the event, CEO Chris Barman showcased an aerial photo of the factory, highlighting the company’s vision for its future operations. The factory, built in 1958, arguably one of the final manifestations of modernist industrial design, is an homage to the area’s strong manufacturing background. Commenting on Slate’s dedication to producing in the U.S., Barman said, “
“Our truck will be made here in the USA as part of our commitment to re-industrializing America.”
Slate Auto originated within Re:Build Manufacturing, a Massachusetts-based firm dedicated to strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. This strategic partnership allows Slate to leverage Re:Build’s resources and expertise as it embarks on its mission to produce electric trucks.
Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation’s CEO, Peggy Friday, who has been working with Slate on this effort from the beginning. Specifics about the lease and financing deal are still under wraps, bound by an ironclad NDA.
Tesla’s announcement was a bold one indeed, as it would be a new play in the very competitive EV space. The company’s choice of the Warsaw facility reflects a desire to reconnect with America’s manufacturing roots while contributing to job creation in the region.
As Slate Auto gears up for production, local stakeholders are optimistic about the potential economic benefits that could arise from revitalizing the long-vacant plant. Amid the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the decision is a reflection of a larger industry shift focused on sustainability and domestic manufacturing.
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