Nikola Corporation is one step closer to bringing a 1 million-sq-ft manufacturing facility to Coolidge, Arizona. An official groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 23 on its approximate 430-acre parcel.
The ceremony included speakers from Nikola’s executive team Trevor Milton, founder and executive chairman; Mark Russell, CEO; and Mark Duchesne, global head of manufacturing. Coolidge Mayor Jon Thompson along with business leaders Chris Camacho, CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Jackob Andersen, CEO, Saint Holding; and via video, Sandra Watson, president and chief executive officer, Arizona Commerce Authority, also joined in the celebration.
“This has been an incredible journey for Nikola Corporation,” begins Trevor Milton, Nikola founder and executive chairman. “We started in our basement six years ago, and now we are kicking off this 1 million-sq-ft manufacturing facility. The residents of Coolidge will be a huge part of the Nikola story, and without the help of Governor Ducey and the Arizona economic development teams, this project would not have been possible in Arizona. These next 12 months will be even more exciting as we see this facility go up and as we add more Arizonans to the Nikola team.”
THE FACILITY
The facility grounds are located off US Highway 87 at East Houser Road and Vail Road. The future 4.0 designed facility will incorporate the latest technology to increase connectivity 24/7 throughout the building. Using the latest equipment will optimize overall energy, productivity, and quality.
“The reason our company exists is in support of a sustainable future, so everything we do in our manufacturing process and our building site will be done to ensure the smallest environmental footprint possible while making the highest quality, high tech products that will impact the sustainability of the planet,” says Mark Duchesne, Nikola global head of manufacturing.
The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in late 2021. Nikola projects the second phase to be complete within the following 12-18 months. Additionally, the US-based facility represents an investment of approximately $600 million and will initially produce the Nikola Tre and Nikola Two. At full production, the facility will reach approximately 35,000 units annually, running two shifts. Nikola will produce its Tre trucks in Ulm, Germany, with partner IVECO, later followed by production at the Coolidge facility.
SITE SEARCH
After an 18-month national site search of various locations around the United States, led by Tom Stringer at BDO and Saint Holdings, Nikola selected Coolidge for its outstanding industrial 
infrastructure within the region. The decision was also further solidified by the tireless support of the state, county, and city, as well as the breadth of talent, year-round sunshine conducive to renewable energy, and the infrastructure available to scale with the ambitious plans and growth trajectory Nikola has set forth.
“Arizona is the best state in the nation for cutting-edge companies to make their mark,” Governor Ducey says. “Nikola’s new plant in Coolidge will produce its zero-emissions Class 8 semi-trucks and create thousands of new jobs. Congratulations to the Nikola team on breaking ground, and I look forward to the continued success.”
“Nikola Corporation will be a welcomed addition to Coolidge providing thousands of jobs while manufacturing environmentally friendly vehicles,” Coolidge Mayor Jon Thompson says. “We’re proud to be a part of this history paving future in transportation.”
Find out more, visit www.nikolamotor.com.
