Nikola Corporation, a global transportation company specializing in zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure solutions, broke ground on a 1 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Coolidge AZ with an official groundbreaking ceremony on its approximate 430 acre parcel. The “future 4.0-designed” facility will incorporate the latest technology and equipment to optimize overall energy consumption, productivity and quality. The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in late 2021, with the second phase—the hydrogen fuel cell production phase—projected to be complete within the following 12-18 months. The facility represents a capital investment of approximately $600 million and will initially produce the Nikola Tre and Nikola Two vehicles. At full production, the facility will reach approximately 35,000 units annually, running two shifts. The first Nikola Tre trucks will be produced in Ulm, Germany, with partner IVECO, followed shortly after by the Coolidge facility.

After an 18-month national site search, Nikola selected Coolidge for its existing industrial infrastructure. The decision was also further solidified by the support of the state, county and city, as well as the breadth of area talent, year-round sunshine conducive to renewable energy and the resources available to scale with the ambitious plans and growth trajectory Nikola has set.

“Arizona is the best state in the nation for cutting-edge companies to make their mark,” said Governor Ducey. “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.”