ELKHART — As part of its move into Indiana, Think North America asked the Economic Development Corp of Elkhart County to identify potential suppliers within a 200-mile radius of the plant on Magnum Drive.
The agency found most of what the company needed within 20 miles.
Just a few weeks after local and state officials welcomed the electric car manufacturer to Elkhart, the pieces necessary for production to start here are falling into place. Along with the list of available suppliers, EnerDel in Indianapolis will begin making the lithium-ion batteries for Think’s Finland operation on March 1 and Think plans to begin work on the infrastructure inside the Elkhart plant in early spring.
“I think the real opportunity with Think hasn’t been realized,” said Dave Ogle, director of business retention and expansion at the EDC.
Also, the two-seater automobile is introducing itself to the American public, having been displayed at the recent auto shows in Detroit and Washington, D.C. Think garnered some media attention when it unveiled a quick charging station but mostly the manufacturer has focused its public relations campaign on putting show attendees in the driver’s seat. Allowing test drives, explained spokesman Brendan Prebo, helps to underscore the point that the Think City is one of the few pure electric vehicles being built and put on the road.
SUPPLIERS
When production starts in Elkhart in 2011, Think will use the components currently manufactured by companies in its global chain of suppliers, Prebo said. Changing parts providers as the operation is being developed in the United States would be too expensive. However, the automaker does plan eventually to source as much from domestic suppliers as possible.
The work by the EDC indicates Think may not have to look too far.
“I think we’ve got the whole package here,” Ogle said. “I can’t imagine anything other than the battery that can’t be manufactured here for them.”
Glass, plastic, composites, wiring harnesses, seats, under-the-hood insulation, brake parts and electronics are all manufactured in Elkhart County and could possibly be used in the electric car, Ogle said. In addition, local companies practice just-in-time inventory methods which could save Think money.
BATTERY
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Source: etruth.com
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