An echo is the repetition of a sound, or the re-sounding of a previous event. And signs indicate that Echo Automotive, the “new” company that has set up shop at the Flagship Enterprise Center, is truly an “echo” of Bright Automotive.
You remember Bright? That’s the company that planned to manufacture plug-in hybrid service vans. After failing to secure a $450 million federal loan to start production, Bright folded in February. You might also recall that Bright, despite our community’s best efforts, jilted Anderson for Michigan when it came time to lay plans for research, development and production.
So, it’s only natural that local citizenry regard Echo with a jaundiced eye. The company, heretofore based in Arizona, wants to produce battery kits to refit service fleet vans to run on electricity. Echo, which has already set up shop in the space formerly occupied by Bright and employs former Bright executives, employs 12 people now, and hopes to add 10 more by March, when production is scheduled to begin.
Echo’s plans are quite modest, compared to the thousands that Bright aimed to employ.
This isn’t to say that Echo might not be a good thing for Anderson. It’s only to say that we should proceed with caution, given the community’s experience with Bright — not to mention the auto industry in general over the past few decades.
Echo very well might be a part of the growing momentum of economic development in Anderson this year. The city has announced at least 10 new employers who are committed to bringing, collectively, more than 1,000 jobs to the community. But we haven’t seen many of those jobs yet, so there is reason for caution here, too.
Thankfully, these prospective jobs would create a variety of products, some unrelated to the auto industry. While Madison County can certainly capitalize on local experience in producing auto parts, what we really need is diversification of our economic development portfolio.
Otherwise, we’re just echoing an automotive past that is never ... never ... never coming back.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
From left, Justin Goeglien, Joe Sturgeon and Chris Bledsoe work on a vehicle at Bright Automotive's Flagship facility. THB Photo / Don Knight
Discussion
Editorial: Economic development must ... must ... must be diversified
- Opinion
-
-
Editorial: AU softball team did university, community proud
During the Anderson University softball team's run to the final eight in the NCAA Division III tournament, the Ravens played quality softball with high-quality individuals, and they did it while brandishing the Anderson name. Whenever the city is associated with high-quality and successful people, it’s always a positive accomplishment.
-
Letter: Major flaws found in reservoir proposal
After a lot of research, I found several major flaws in the reservoir proposal.
-
Letter: Obama should follow Constitution
Congress, or I should say the Democrats, have been trying to take away some of our guns by legislation, thus trying to do away with the Second Amendment.
-
Letter: Wheel tax just costs driver 6.8 cents a day
I can’t understand all of the commotion over a wheel tax when residents of this state pay outrageous fees for license plates. And even more bizarre tax is the state tax on pensions.
-
Letter: County Council should nix wheel tax
Following a conversation with Councilwoman Lisa Hobbs after the May 13 County Council meeting, I believe, in her mind, the wheel tax is needed.
-
Charo Boyd: Social Security honors all who serve
Every day of the year, Americans across the nation remember friends and family members who have served and sacrificed for their country. Memorial Day is a day when we all come together to honor those who have given their lives in the defense of freedom and the principles we hold dear in this country.
-
Scott Underwood: Spring brings new athletic inspiration
Spring is a great time for sports in the Madison County area. In addition to high school softball, baseball, tennis, track and field, and golf, younger kids and older folks are out and about participating in sports.
-
Maureen Hayden: Indiana’s liquor laws are confusing to consumers
I’m not much a drinker, so I haven’t spent much time thinking about how Indiana’s alcohol laws personally impact me, but that changed last fall when my daughter got married.
-
You Said It: About the wheel tax, Ravens softball and cold beer sales
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
-
Our View: New state law should help get grads college ready
Graduation from high school can be a hollow achievement for those who haven’t truly mastered the skills and subject matter to prepare themselves well for higher education.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
