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Nissan is finding more and more ways to localize its LEAF production in the U.S. When the vehicle first became available in December 2010, the car was manufactured in Japan. In January 2013, Nissan ramped up production of the car in Smyrna, Tenn. This was followed by production of the electric motor in Decherd, Tenn., in April.
“Bringing that production here and those jobs here, it is better for everyone,” said Coral Kanies, Nissan Decherd Production Manager.
Perhaps the biggest example of localizing the LEAF in North America is the company’s new source for magnetic wire. Before, special magnetic wire was being shipped in crates from Japan. The wire is heavy and bulky. Now a company called Superior Essex, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., supplies all the copper wire that goes into the Nissan LEAF electric motor.
“You do not have to keep a large inventory here, which also costs you money, and you do not have to wait weeks or even months to get your material for production,” said Xavier Mann, director of international sales, Superior Essex.
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