Slate Auto, a promising EV startup backed by none other than Jeff Bezos, has made a strategic move by hiring a key Tesla manufacturing leader to spearhead the construction of its electric pickup truck factory in Indiana.
Napoleon Reyes, a former US Marine from Indiana who later earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, has an impressive background working at Subaru and Wabash before joining Tesla’s renowned manufacturing team at the Fremont Factory in 2020. Reyes played a pivotal role in the production ramp of the Model Y and eventually rose to lead the Model Y General Assembly in Fremont by 2022.
With his expertise in manufacturing processes, Reyes successfully led the Model Y GA operations for over a year before taking on the challenge of overseeing new pilot processes at the factory. His most recent accomplishment was leading the launch of the general assembly line for the Model Y refresh.
In a recent announcement, Reyes shared his decision to depart from Tesla after nearly five years to join Slate as the Senior Manager of Plant Vehicle Engineering in Warsaw, Indiana. This move comes at a crucial time for Slate, as the company has made waves in the EV industry with its innovative approach to electric pickup trucks featuring modular customization and an affordable price point.
Having raised over $700 million in investments, including support from Jeff Bezos, Slate is well-positioned to bring its electric pickup truck to production. The startup has acquired a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, where it is currently transforming the facility to accommodate the manufacturing of its groundbreaking electric vehicles. With a team comprised of seasoned professionals from legacy automakers and former Tesla engineers and leaders, Slate is poised for success.
One standout addition to Slate’s team is Rich Schmidt, an early Tesla manufacturing director, who now serves as the head of manufacturing for the startup. With a strong leadership team in place and ample financial backing, Slate is on track to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its innovative approach to electric pickup trucks.
