Electric Vehicle Company Cuts Jobs At Northern Indiana Plant

MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) — An electric vehicle startup is cutting about 30 jobs at a northern Indiana factory where it has halted plans to start production.

Seres Automotive, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Sokon, had announced plans last year for hiring more than 450 workers at the AM General commercial assembly plant in Mishawaka. The company put its new electric SUV project on hold last week.

Plant manager Todd Leahy tells the South Bend Tribune Friday's layoffs will leave about 50 employees there as work continues on vehicle prototypes for at least the next few months.

Leahy says Seres Automotive is seeking auto assembly contracts for the factory with other companies. He says the company has spent $20 million on upgrades and wants to build vehicles at the plant.