Summary
Warsaw, Indiana, is making a comeback as a manufacturing hub with the arrival of Slate Auto, a new car maker. After a major printing plant in the town closed, many jobs were lost, but Slate Auto is starting a new auto manufacturing site, revitalizing the area. The town's solid infrastructure and community support were key in attracting the new company.
Key Facts
- Warsaw, Indiana, was historically linked to R.R. Donnelley & Sons, once a major U.S. printing company.
- At its peak, the Donnelley plant in Warsaw employed about 2,000 people.
- The plant was sold in 2016, went bankrupt by 2020, and closed in 2020, affecting 525 workers.
- In 2024, Slate Auto chose Warsaw as the site for its new car manufacturing plant.
- Slate Auto CEO, Chris Barman, aimed to launch car production by late 2026.
- Warsaw offered strong community support, existing infrastructure, and good logistics for suppliers.
- Slate Auto's choice reflects a trend in reindustrializing older manufacturing areas.
