Image: Courtesy Arkansas Business
CORONA, Calif. — Envirotech Vehicles, Inc., a provider of new zero-emission, purpose-built electric vehicles, has announced Osceola as the site of its previously announced state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The company has purchased an approximately 580,000-square-foot facility, located at 1425 Ohlendorf Road, and hiring for the facility will commence immediately. The manufacturing facility is expected to create more than 800 jobs, as well as indirect jobs in Mississippi County.
Phillip Oldridge, CEO of Envirotech Vehicles, commented, “We are thrilled to announce that we have chosen Osceola as the home of our first U.S.-based manufacturing facility, backed with the support of the Great River Economic Development Foundation and the state of Arkansas. We are confident that Osceola has the perfect business climate and local workforce to allow us to see growth and success in the region as the state’s first commercial electric vehicle manufacturer. This, and the plant’s location near the Mississippi River with access to the port of Osceola, will be vital as we position EVT to bring new innovation and technology advancements to the state.”
Envirotech Vehicles purchased the facility from the city of Osceola and intends to initially utilize the plant to handle the final outfitting and shipment of its imported vehicles while simultaneously converting the plant into a full manufacturing operation. The total cost of the project is an estimated investment of more than $80 million within five years, which includes the cost of the building, equipment and other costs.
When asked about the impact Envirotech Vehicles will have on sustainable manufacturing in the state, David B. Burritt, U. S. Steel president and chief executive officer said, “As the only LEED-certified steel mill in America, U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel enthusiastically welcomes Envirotech Vehicles to Arkansas. With forward-thinking enterprises such as EVTV, Arkansas is becoming a center for advanced, sustainable manufacturing in the United States. We are pleased to be partnering with Envirotech Vehicles in producing a future that is Best for All.”
Clif Chitwood, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation commented, “We have been intently focused on diversifying the economic profile of Mississippi County by attracting companies from new industries. Envirotech has a long history of producing purpose-built electric trucks and vans, and we believe the Company will be a valuable addition to the area, bringing a combination of employment opportunities, including technology, manufacturing and engineering.”
Sally Wilson, mayor of Osceola said, “We’re pleased to welcome Envirotech Vehicles to our city and believe that their selection of Osceola for the establishment of their U.S. manufacturing operations demonstrates their confidence in our workforce and the economic strength in our area.”
The Envirotech Vehicles’ team brings more than 30 years of industry expertise, as well as access to an innovative, growing customer-ready product line of vehicles, systems and green technology that serves last-mile fleets, school districts, public and private transportation service companies and colleges and universities to meet the increasing demand for heavy-duty electric vehicles. The Company is currently manufacturing and delivering three products to customers: electric urban trucks, electric logistics vans and electric cutaway vans.
The company is recruiting for manufacturing, engineering and other professional positions. For more information, visit www.evtarkansas.com or www.evtvusa.com.
About Envirotech Vehicles
Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. is a provider of purpose-built zero-emission electric vehicles focused on reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership and helping fleet operators unlock the benefits of green technology. We serve commercial and last-mile fleets, school districts, public and private transportation service companies and colleges and universities to meet the increasing demand for heavy-duty electric vehicles. Our vehicles address the challenges of traditional fuel price cost instability and local, state and federal environmental regulatory compliance. For more information visit www.evtvusa.com.
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