Electric Car Plant Will Locate to Franklin

Save

Posted: 10:57 AM Aug 25, 2008
Last Updated: 8:53 PM Aug 25, 2008
Reporter: Daniel Kemp
Email Address: daniel.kemp@wbko.com

21 comments

A | A | A

Governor Steve Beshear announces an electric-car plant will locate in Simpson County.

The $84-million-dollar facility will be used to make "Zero-Air-Pollution," or "ZAP" cars.

Governor Beshear has been for electric-cars on Kentucky roads for some time.

Now he's made his stand clear on the idea when he said the ZAP plant will come to South-Central Kentucky.

4,000 new full-time jobs will be created within four years and folks in Franklin say they're ready for it.

Franklin resident Gwen Garrett is excited for an electric-car plant to come to her town.

"I think it'll bring in industry we definitely need, bring in jobs needed in this area and be a great improvement for our economy here," she said. "I think this is a new venture that is going to prove worthwhile."

And those enjoying the afternoon at the oldest fast-food restaurant in Franklin, Frosty Freeze, couldn't agree more.

"It'd just help boost the economy in Franklin," said Franklin resident Wendy Gant.

"The way the economy has been sitting right now, and with everyone complaining about fuel prices, I think it would change a lot of things," added David Stephens, who commutes to Franklin from Tennessee.

"I think it'll bring a lot of employees here and help us," said Carey Castro, who also commutes to Franklin.

Now with the state on board, Franklin officials are ready to open the new plant.

"It's been the talk of the town everywhere you turn--somebody's asking, "What about the car plant?" said Jim Henderson, the judge-executive for Simpson County. "This is probably as big on an announcement as Kentucky has had. In these slow economic times, I think the governor was excited to make this kind of announcement for the Commonwealth."

An announcement bringing jobs and growth to the city of Franklin.

"I think in the long run it's going to be helpful," Carey Castro said.

"We need it for our future. We need it for generations to come,' Gwen Garrett added.

Production on the electric cars is expected to begin next year.

A groundbreaking for the plant will be held August 28th, at the Wilkey North Industrial Park.

ON THE WEB:
www.zapworld.com

More Stories
Anthrax Hoax Causes Concern at Warren County Justice Center

Vacation Goers Enjoy Holiday at the Lake

Business Slightly Slow at the Lake

Bicyclists Celebrate with Patriotic Parade

Celebrating the True Meaning of July 4

Barren River Lake Fireworks Show Back on Track

Putting Fireworks Display Together Is Hard Work

Church Members Sell Fireworks For Good Cause

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: yoohoo'smrs Location: out side of franklin on May 11, 2009 at 06:47 PM
what about new employees in franklin where will they live? franklin has housing that will suprise they savyest of buyers check them out it will suprise you what 1800 will get you

Posted by: Patsy Location: Tn on Jan 25, 2009 at 07:42 PM
How do I apply for a job at the new Zap plant

Posted by: Regina Location: Bethpage, TN on Oct 4, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Where do you go to apply for a job at the Zap plant? Do you have an E-mail address? Thank you.

Posted by: David Location: Portland tn on Sep 24, 2008 at 08:21 AM
where do you apply for the the jobs at Zap plant?Do you have the email.

Posted by: Bob Location: Tornado alley BG KY on Sep 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Ok, electric car, Im cool w/ that. But the 40 mph sucks! I dont have a problem myself as so many do but I have to paint you a BIG picture here, and its not a pretty one.Can you actually see a redneck in a big ole 4x4 or 18 wheeler literally chewing thies cars up like a buzz saw through butter. Yea, now these babys dont make any noise whatso ever so my advise would be ,dont go cruzing the countryside in a baby carrage because you are gonna be grindage for the reds. Its bad enough they cant see ya from there jacked up trucks, now they wont hear ya and thats gonna freak-em out.

Posted by: deborahg7@hotmail.com Location: lewisburg, KY on Sep 2, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Where do you apply for the jobs at the Zap plant? do you have the email? Thanks

Posted by: Joe Stephens Location: franklin, ky 42134 on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:15 PM
i was just wanting to know if there is a place on the internet where they let you apply for a job with zapworld, i heard that there was but was unable to find anything, about applying for a job. any help would be appreciated. thanks Joe Stephens 270-893-1926

Posted by: Tim Location: franklin on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:18 AM
I hear alot of people saying good for Franklin and alot saying way to go stupid. But the simple fact is this is a new company and a new type of vehicle that no one around here has ever delt with. I have checked into the companys history and its not the best track record but you cant tell me that the other big car companys havent been in the same shape one time or another. Its time for some kind of change and only time will prove if ZAP can last. I live in town and with the prices of these EV's i could see owning one and saving alot of money is gas. But that doesnt mean im gonna let go of my gas burner just yet. Im really glad this company is comming here and most people are right the pay wont be that high, but it does bring in new jobs and thats exactly what we need.

Posted by: louis Location: franklin on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52 PM
TO J T of bowling green: You seem to have a negative outlook on the car plant coming to franklin. Maybe the pay won't be $20/ hr but $10/hr will be better than many of the min. wage jobs now being worked at. I don't know what kind of job you have now , but it must be more than min wage or you would be tring to find out where to get an application form. Not everyone is fortune enough to get a high paying job for some reason or another, but we are willing to work and respect the neighboring counties good fortune, so try being positive and hope it wasn't money wasted by our goverment leaders.

Posted by: louis Location: franklin on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36 PM
So, if the car company don't pay $20 hr, even $10 an hour will be a lot better than the min wage jobs a lot of us is working now. Many of our factory jobs have left this comunnity,leaving some older people with no jobs at all. We in Franklin welcome any new offer for jobs at this time. Try driving to Nashville evry day on a $10 per hour job at these gas prices. That is reason a lot of people here are looking forward and hoping this car plant works out ok. Driving 1 mile to work would be a blessing.

Posted by: Melissa on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:53 PM
You all are more than likely right about everything you said about Franklin was just got on this deal. But if you look at the people we have in office running Franklin you would all understand why they would do such a thing. Then everyone sits around and wonders why the city is in the shape they are (broke). well this will tell us some of it right here they are just going to give land away when I'm sure it could have been sold.

Posted by: rob on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:45 PM
I m glad to see a more jobs come in, but i $20 dollars and hour come on...people arent gonna be able to afford those electric cars yet.....i be starting wages are 10.50 to 12.50 hr unless u have a degree in something. what was that one person talking about needing jobs in this area, Franklin has more industries in that town, than in scottville thats for sure.

Posted by: Joe Location: Bowling Green on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Why would a new Company just starting out pay 20.00 something per hour when the average pay in Frankin is only 13.00 something per hour?? I don't belive it will happen. just anouther spin.Watch out tax payers.

Posted by: Wayne Location: Bowling Green on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Well I have worked in the automotive industry most of my life and they all have there ups and downs. With the economy the way it is now we could use a change. I believe with these electric cars around they will help with gas prices! I myself will not be able to own one because I live in the county were the speed limit is higher than these cars can run on by law. Now the pay on the other hand will not be $20 an hour. I will say that it will be an average of $20. I have worked there in Franklin at a couple factories and the average pay was close to $20. I believe everyone is just afraid of change. One of these days there will no longer be gas burning vehicles.....this could be the start of a new life. I will be applying...will you?

Posted by: Alex Location: Bowling Green on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Before everyone gets too excited about this company, take a moment to look into the ZAP background. They have a lengthy history of making false promised and failing to deliver. Do you really think they will pay $20 an hour? I hope most people take a "wait and see" approach because this won't benefit anyone if it's another hyped up project that doesn't happen. Plus, Chris, ZAP was looking for free land and there is no way the officials are going to give away Transpark land when companies are paying to move there.

Posted by: Eric Location: Bowling Green on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:19 AM
J.T. makes a good point. So up to 4000 jobs come to Franklin, these people all drive gas powered cars, right? Some will move into our area from other locations/states. This increases the demand on our local schools, utilities and infrastructure. This never seems to be offset by new tax $ we should be gaining, but never do. This only leads to tax increaces from local and state govenment. The kicker is, the state gave this company our tax dollars to build this factory. I'd almost bet someone, somepleace is getting a $ kickback. And $20 per hour?? I'll have to see it forst. More than once over the last few years, he "hype" been spread about a new company coming to town, paying big $. Then they end up paying within a penny or two what all the other companies pay. Warm fuzzy feelings,...NOT.

Posted by: jim Location: scotsville on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Wonder when they will start accepting applications?

Posted by: chris Location: bowling green on Aug 25, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Congrates to franklin. Glad to see there local and state reps. got the people there jobs. We in Warren Co. have 100's of arces of a transpark and get nothing but schools. Just make a lot of us wonder where our judge/mayor and other elected officals were at when this offer came around. I guess if nothing else we can feed them all due to the number of fastfood resturants we have here.

Posted by: Paul Location: Glasgow on Aug 25, 2008 at 03:30 PM
This sounds like a great break for Franklin, and the number of new jobs for the city will be a real blessing! One thing that bothers me--the top speed of these vehicles! If by law, this car can only be operated on state roads that limit the speed to 45mph or less. Doesn't this kind of limit this car to an "in town" car? If so, I would think that would really limit the sales of this vehicle.

Posted by: Donald Location: Bowling Green on Aug 25, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Good for Franklin and good for the whole region of Kentucky. We must get off fossil fuels for transportation, heating and the generation of electricity for the good of the United States.

Posted by: J.T. Location: B.G. on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Way to go Franklin! Who will buy these electric cars and where will they drive them? Not around here! They only go 40 mph and I hear the company has trouble selling them out west. They are having finiancial trouble already and the pay will not be around $20 an hour! Mark my word's. Franklin took the hook, line, and sinker on this one! They were given the land and want a building as well or they would have located in another place. We spend stupid money and wonder where our budget crisis comes from?

Unable to see the video? Download Flash Here.

	WBKO Blogs Information on a variety of topics, from food and entertainment to the coming digital changeover, written and updated by the WBKO staff. Get your questions answered here!
	WBKO Hometown Hero Do you know someone special who deserves to be a Hometown Hero? WBKO and Hughes & Coleman invite you to nominate them here!
	Contests and Giveaways Register to win great prizes from WBKO and our fantastic partners
	Recipes Cook up something delicious with one of our featured recipes!
	Polls Let your voice be heard by giving us your opinion on our daily poll question.
	Obituaries Honoring those who have passed on. Updated daily.