Slate Auto to Build EV Trucks in Former Indiana Printing Plant

Slate Auto Nears Production Site Selection

The emerging electric vehicle (EV) startup, Slate Auto, which recently exited stealth mode, is reportedly on the verge of securing a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, as the location for manufacturing its affordable electric truck. This information is based on a review of publicly available records.

Facility Details and Potential Employment

Slate Auto is anticipated to lease the 1.4 million-square-foot facility for an unspecified amount. Local economic development authorities previously indicated to news outlets – without identifying Slate by name – that the facility could potentially generate up to 2,000 jobs.

Furthermore, the county reportedly offered the unnamed company an incentive package, the specifics of which remain unclear and are still subject to finalization.

Confidentiality and Confirmation

Slate Auto has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this matter. Peggy Friday, CEO of the Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation, stated via email that she is bound by a non-disclosure agreement concerning the project.

Visual Confirmation and Previous Reporting

During a recent event, Slate Auto presented an aerial photograph of the factory. While the company did not disclose the location, the image corresponds to a publicly listed facility on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s website.

TechCrunch had previously reported that the company intends to manufacture its EVs, priced below $20,000 after applying the federal tax credit, within the state of Indiana.

Commitment to Domestic Manufacturing

“Our truck will be manufactured here in the USA, reflecting our dedication to revitalizing American industry,” stated Chris Barman, Slate’s CEO, during the event, as the factory image was displayed.

Company Origins and Manufacturing Focus

A core tenet of Slate’s business model is a commitment to domestic production. The startup originated within Re:Build Manufacturing, a Massachusetts-based firm dedicated to strengthening the nation’s manufacturing capabilities.

Facility History

The Warsaw factory was originally constructed in 1958 and was occupied for many years by the printing company R.R. Donnelly. It has remained unused for approximately two years, according to local news sources.

Investment and Cost-Saving Measures

Transforming an existing factory, particularly one not originally designed for automotive production, presents significant challenges. Slate Auto has secured substantial funding to address these hurdles.

Backed by investors including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, and the venture capital firm General Catalyst, the startup has raised over $100 million to date.

Slate’s approach to truck design and construction is also aimed at reducing costs. The company plans to offer vehicle wraps instead of paint, eliminating the need for a paint shop within the factory. This strategy could potentially save Slate hundreds of millions of dollars during the plant buildout phase.