Supply Chain World Volume 10, Issue 2 Volume 10, Issue 2 | Page 63

The Lion Electric Company one to support the Joliet location , and another to work alongside Lion ’ s battery production facility in Mirabel , Quebec .
“ We will soon be starting the production of several new models , with expedited timelines between certification and when we actually start to make them ,” Jud explains . “ We have assigned dedicated teams for each of these challenges , all of which are operating simultaneously , and require a great level of synergy . We are striving to keep everyone aligned , to maintain coherence in both our strategy and the technologies being utilized .
“ For 13 years , we have specialized in designing these vehicles , during which time we have built up key relationships in the industry . However , our supply chain is only as strong as our weakest link , so we need to ensure that our existing suppliers can grow with us and mirror our dimensions for capacity , quality , stability , and cost competitiveness . We want to see all these companies mature at the same rate as us , but if they cannot match it , then we may have to pursue others .
“ Lion wholeheartedly believes in sourcing goods and components as locally as possible ,” Jud continues , “ and we have been developing our relationships in Illinois and regionally for our Joliet plant . We have allied with several companies in the area already , as well as the local governments and chambers of commerce in nearby states . Veteran and automotive suppliers would be a great fit for us , but it takes a great deal of due diligence on our behalf to confirm these partnerships and the requisite contracts with these folks .”
Move towards electric
In employing the necessary teams to prevail against these upcoming challenges , Lion has been building on its foundation of experience
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