Norwegian automaker THINK announced that production of its vehicles has started in Elkhart, Indiana. A total of 300 vehicles destined for the American market will be built by the end of the year.
Finnish company Valmet Automotive, manufacturer of all the THINK City’ sold in Europe, will partially assemble and import the vehicles. The company’s American plant will then build the power trains into the models.
THINK Manufacturing Director Karl Turner is proud of this production model. “This plant will be a model for efficiency and quality, as we’re going to be sharing the best practices among Elkhart, Oslo and Finland,” said Turner. “Our process eliminates the need for paint or welding shops, so it is environmentally very clean, is low capital intensive and is readily replicable for other locations to support future growth.”
The plant currently employs 25 people and plans on extending its personnel to 100 salaried employees by the end of 2011 and 415 by the end of 2013.
Finnish company Valmet Automotive, manufacturer of all the THINK City’ sold in Europe, will partially assemble and import the vehicles. The company’s American plant will then build the power trains into the models.
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| Photo: Think |
THINK Manufacturing Director Karl Turner is proud of this production model. “This plant will be a model for efficiency and quality, as we’re going to be sharing the best practices among Elkhart, Oslo and Finland,” said Turner. “Our process eliminates the need for paint or welding shops, so it is environmentally very clean, is low capital intensive and is readily replicable for other locations to support future growth.”
The plant currently employs 25 people and plans on extending its personnel to 100 salaried employees by the end of 2011 and 415 by the end of 2013.