Envirotech Vehicles, a provider of new zero-emission, purpose-built electric vehicles, has announced Osceola, Arkansas 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 in Northeast Arkansas.
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.”
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, please visit www.evtvusa.com.
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Envirotech Vehicles, a maker of zero-emission electric vehicles will soon open its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Arkansas. The EV company announced Thursday it has entered into a purchase agreement for a facility in Arkansas and expects to commence operations during first quarter 2022. The specific location, jobs and overall investment is scheduled to be announced next Tuesday.
Phillip Oldridge, CEO of Envirotech Vehicles, said, “We are excited to announce the purchase of EVTV’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility. It has been a longstanding goal of our company to manufacture our vehicles here in the U.S., and we are gratified to have received tremendous support from the state of Arkansas. Not only does Arkansas provide us with a robust business climate and highly capable workforce, but the facility’s proximity to all forms of transportation is also well-suited for the efficient transport of our electric trucks and vans.”
The Envirotech Vehicles’ team brings more than 30 years of industry expertise, as well as access to a 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 medium to heavy-duty electric vehicles. The company’s products include Electric Urban Trucks, Electric Logistics Vans and Electric Cutaway Vans.
“The business climate in Arkansas continues to sell itself, and with a continued focus on reducing the tax burden it’s no surprise that companies like Envirotech Vehicles have chosen to locate in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Electric vehicle demand will only continue to grow and I’m delighted that Arkansas is continuing to gain a foothold in the market.”
Envirotech Vehicles announced in Aug. 2021 that it entered into a Factory Authorized Representative Agreement with Shine Solar, LLC, allowing the Rogers- based solar equipment provider to promote and sell Envirotech products throughout the United States. Shine Solar is required to purchase at least one van and one Class 4 or Class 5 truck for demonstrations for the duration of the agreement.
Electric vehicle manufacturer, Canoo, selected Bentonville as its headquarters last Fall. Canoo also plans to establish a Research & Development (R&D) center and an advanced industrialization/low-volume production facility for small package delivery vehicles in the state, bringing at least 545 jobs to the Northwest Arkansas area.
Envirotech Vehicles will begin recruiting for manufacturing, engineering and other professional positions shortly. We will update as more information becomes available.
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