Casa Grande Dispatch
(Editor’s note: Opinion pieces are posted only for purposes of discussion.)
Tesla Motors, an American electric car company, is attempting to follow the way of consumer electronics manufacturers by offering new models to the high-end market and then bringing prices down through mass production in order to sell to average buyers. The company, led by entrepreneur CEO Elon Musk, also makes electric powertrain components to sell to other automakers.
In the first quarter of 2013, Tesla made the first profit in its 10-year history. It has benefited from tax incentives for consumers in buying its product, but that is the situation with other industries. More electric cars on the road would mean cleaner air and less dependence on foreign oil. Demand for more electricity comes with a need to produce that energy, but means exist — and continue to develop — to do that cleanly.
Tesla has been looking for a site to build a massive battery factory, and four in the Casa Grande-Eloy-Coolidge area are reported to be on the list. The plant is to be a $4 billion investment that might employ 6,500 people. The economic impact would be mind-boggling, and the benefits incalculable.
The sites include one near the Interstate 10 and I-8 junction, one near Red Rock, one on land in the Eloy-Coolidge area and a site on the southwest corner of Casa Grande. All certainly have much to offer the company in terms of rail and highway access, available land and other things. The company has announced it plans to utilize solar and wind energy at the plant.
Other sites in Arizona are under consideration, as well as a number in three other states. The Arizona Commerce Authority has been involved heavily in assisting the company, as have this area’s development foundation, Access Arizona, plus Pinal County and the area cities.
Obviously, such a plant would have a vast impact on Pinal County by providing good jobs, property taxes and many intangible benefits. The company has several options, but we believe the area sites are at least as good as any other.
Related: Video pitch to Tesla Motors: Tucson has the pioneers you need
Why Tesla’s $5 billion factory might be too ambitious
