WARSAW — Slate Auto plans to begin manufacturing electric pick-ups in Warsaw in 2026, but right now, the Michigan-based start-up is focused on creating local enthusiasm and goodwill.

The company has three events coming up at the end of August that will culminate with a block party in downtown Warsaw.

Activities include:

• [caption id="attachment_116234" align="alignright" width="218"] Chris Barman[/caption]

  Chris Barman, CEO of Slate Auto, will be the keynote speaker at the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation's annual dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Syracuse. Baman earned her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University before receiving a master's degree from the University of Michigan and is seen as one of the few top female executives in the auto industry.

• On the following day, company leaders and local officials will speak at what’s being billed as a "sneak peek" of its facility (the old RR Donnelly plant on Old Road 30). Guided tours will be available for guests.
• Slate will then host a block party from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29, on Center Street in front of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

Details of the block party were announced Friday by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, which sought approval for a street closure by the city board of works for the event.

Slate announced earlier this year plans to open the facility in Warsaw and hire around 1,700 people as it plans to manufacture EVs that will sell for much less than the current price of an electric vehicle in the United States.

Slate also helped sponsor Winona Lake's fireworks display for the Fourth of July celebration, one of several efforts that point to attempts to build goodwill in the community.

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