Slate Auto, the exciting new electric vehicle startup that emerged from stealth mode this week, is on the verge of securing a former printing facility situated in Warsaw, Indiana, as the production hub for its affordable electric truck, according to an analysis of public documents.
The startup is anticipated to lease the expansive 1.4 million-square-foot property for an undisclosed amount. Earlier this year, economic development officials informed local news outlets (without mentioning Slate) that the facility could provide jobs for as many as 2,000 individuals, and that the county has proposed an incentive package to the unnamed company.
The exact contents of the incentive package, as well as whether it has been finalized, remain unclear. Slate did not promptly respond to an inquiry for comment. Peggy Friday, CEO of the Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation, mentioned in an email that she is “bound by a strict non-disclosure agreement regarding the project.”
During Thursday’s event, Slate shared an aerial view of the factory. While the company did not disclose its location, the image corresponds with a public listing for the property found on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s site. TechCrunch previously reported that Slate intends to produce its electric vehicles, priced below $20,000 after federal tax credits, in Indiana.
“Our truck will be manufactured right here in the USA, reflecting our commitment to revitalize American industry,” declared Slateโs CEO Chris Barman during the presentation, as the factory image was displayed on the screen behind her.
Slateโs dedication to domestic manufacturing is fundamentally woven into the companyโs identity. The startup was initially established within Re:Build Manufacturing, a Massachusetts-based entity aimed at enhancing the nation’s manufacturing capabilities.
Constructed in 1958, the Warsaw factory was previously operated by printing firm R.R. Donnelly and has been inactive for about two years, according to local reports.
Transforming a facility, particularly one not previously engaged in automotive production, is neither inexpensive nor simple. Slate has gathered substantial funding to address this challenge. With backing from high-profile investors like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, and prominent VC firm General Catalyst, the startup has raised more than $100 million thus far.
Slate’s strategy for designing and constructing its electric truck is expected to help minimize costs as well. The company plans to utilize wraps instead of paint for the trucks, eliminating the need for a paint shop within the factory. This decision alone could save Slate hundreds of millions during the facility’s establishment.
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