Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has not yet decided on its gigafactory site, although the company has given some strong indications. Nonetheless, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid thinks that Reno should adopt a wait and watch attitude on the company and presume nothing, says a report from the Reno-Gazette Journal.
Agreement provides no surety
Tesla has already announced that Nevada is a finalist for the gigafactory, an ambitious 10 million square foot factory to open by 2017 to manufacture batteries for the Model 3 car. The EV manufacturer clearly stated that it entered into an agreement with the Reno-Tahoe Industrial center in Storey County about the construction site in Reno. Reid, however, suggests that the company has several construction pads in various states. Reid said he did not know whether Tesla will consider setting up the gigafactory in another area, as there is an ongoing bidding war between California and Texas. Reid also mentioned that he is not aware if other states are also bidding.
“I would not start counting jobs on Tesla now, anyway,” Reid said during a news conference in his Reno office on Monday. “I will say, I’m not sure they aren’t playing us.”
Tesla focused on making money
As of now, Nevada is just a finalist among others, and the officials are contesting for the approximately 6,500 jobs that the gigafactory will offer once it opens, according to Reid. He said that he appreciates that Governor Brian Sandoval is conveying to him the developments. According to Reid, the governor is trying very hard, and whatever he is doing is worth supporting.
If Reid’s point of view is taken, then Tesla will set up a factory wherever it can make the most of its money. Reid said that he has spoken to Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a few occasions and knows that he is a brilliant man and that calling him just brilliant is sort of an understatement. Musk, according to Reid, is focused on making money.
Apart from Nevada, other states in the running are California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. In his letter to shareholders, Musk said that the decision over the gigafactory would be made in the next few months.
