Imola Automotive USA, an innovative electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with roots established in Europe since 1963, has entered into a neutrality agreement with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (United Auto Workers Union “UAW”).
By Kelvin Cowans
The historic signing of this neutrality agreement shows Imola EV’s commitment to the American workforce’s right to Unionize without corporate influence or interference. Imola Automotive USA has secured land in Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas where it plans to build “six manufacturing plants that will each grow to employ 7,500 employees with a total workforce of 45,000. Imola’s business culture is one where an employee’s quality of life and work balance are to be a priority. Allowing workers the opportunity to unionize is in line with Imola EV’s corporate priorities,” says its Chairman / CEO Rodney Henry.
Henry, with a penchant for history, hearkens back to the days where Americas Blue Collar Workers, were truly able to acquire the American Dream, buy a home in a good neighborhood, support their families, and send their kids to school. These values are shared between the UAW and Imola “so it only makes sense to forge a collaborative effort to achieve the same with the Union.” said Henry.
Henry explained that “Imola has strategically selected each of its plant locations. Imola plans to build in Langston Oklahoma, on a site steps away from Langston University, and at a site in Fort Valley Georgia, at a location a football field away from Ft. Valley State University. Both of these locations are ideal as their proximity to communities with institutions of higher learning, will allow residents and students career opportunities in the fast growing EV Technology and Innovation Industry.”
In a letter dated January 4, 2024, signed by 33 Senators from the Congress of The United States of America, including Corey Booker, Bernard Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and etc., insisted, “Many workers had concerns that the transition to electric vehicles would translate to fewer jobs, plant closures, or lower pay. However, the UAW’s securing of a just transition ensures workers at electric vehicle battery plants can earn the same high wages other UAW members earn. It further demonstrates that the electric vehicle transition can and must create good-paying jobs. It is time now for non-union automakers across the United States to demonstrate that same commitment by pledging not to interfere in any organizing activities occurring at its plants through the implementation of neutrality agreements.”
“I am genuinely excited about the transformative effect the Imola EV plant will bring to Langston. This venture is not just about creating jobs, and elevating salaries; it’s a testament to our dedication to fostering community growth and prosperity in Langston, Oklahoma,” said its Mayor, Michael Boyles.
Fort Valley, Georgia, Mayor Jeffery Lundy, said “It was a priority for my administration to land a company like Imola Automotive, USA for the citizens of Fort Valley. The fact that Imola believes in being environmentally friendly, and is committed to sustainability is a major accomplishment for the City of Fort Valley, Georgia. We are looking forward to the economic impact that the manufacture of electric vehicles will bring to our city.”
Imola also plans to develop a technology training program, focused on providing an EV Manufacturing and Technology Certificate Program. Imola has patented technology for vehicles, batteries, semi-conductors, microchips, generators, charging systems, and charging stations, that will transform these communities into technology centers for manufacturing, research and development. Imola has also acquired land in Palatka Florida, often referred to as the hole in the donut due to its central Florida location, in addition to its access to the Port of Jacksonville, it is also accessible to cities like Orlando, Daytona, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. Each of these cities are homes to Colleges and Universities with a multitude of students and communities to provide the workforce needed by Imola.
Imola has acquired over 160,000 acres (65,000 hectares) of mineral rights in Africa consisting of Lithium, Cobalt, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, and Graphite to be used in the manufacturing of its vehicle batteries. Controlling the supply chain was a priority for Imola’s expansion, as securing the resources necessary to manufacture its batteries is paramount to its ability to create and keep jobs. With the import of these materials, the proximity to the ports of Savannah, GA; Brunswick, Ga; and Jacksonville, Langston very important.
Henry said, “Imola is dedicated to revolutionizing the automotive industry. With the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, we aim to design, develop, and produce high-quality electric vehicles that combine our cutting-edge technology, performance, and environmental friendliness, in as socially a responsible way as possible. We feel that our proprietary intellectual property as well as our patents will give us a true competitive
advantage in the manufacturing, assembly, and customization of our vehicle models. This easily modifiable technology also gives us the ability to expand our product line exponentially and introduce more diverse models catered to the US market. Our ultimate mission is to achieve global sustainability by continually developing innovative, highly efficient, EVs with zero emissions.”
For Inquiries Contact: Eric Pettus COO & VP of Business Development Imola Automotive USA eric@imolaev.com Kelvin Cowans can be reached at (kelvincowans@hotmail.com) or (Instagram: @sixfour901)
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