In the summer of 2020, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) launched its Oklahoma Automotive Accelerator Program. Commerce has seen significant interest from automotive manufacturers and suppliers since then and is currently working on automotive industry opportunities that would exceed $15 billion of capital investment.

“We know we offer a great value proposition for automotive OEMs and suppliers,” said Scott Mueller, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development. “Oklahoma is centrally located geographically, is an easy place to do business and has a very capable workforce that is willing and able to help automotive companies excel.”

“New changes regarding trade with Canada and Mexico are pushing many automotive parts companies to reshore operations,” said Jennifer Springer, Commerce Director of Business Development. “Oklahoma’s reduced labor costs, availability of large properties and low energy costs are just a few of the benefits to locating automotive operations in our state. And with Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Austin, in addition to our proximity to the existing U.S. automotive corridor in the southeast, we are primed to bring automotive companies and their suppliers to Oklahoma.”

Commerce has been working alongside Oklahoma communities and relevant partners to help them align assets that would be beneficial to automotive companies.

“Oklahoma brings a lot to the table to support the automotive industry,” said Janet Smith, Manager of Economic and Business Development, Public Service Company of Oklahoma. “Our communities – both rural and urban – are focused on recruiting automotive jobs to the state. From competitive electric prices, ability to meet 100% renewable/carbon-neutral goals, diverse energy resources, a well-known technical training system and a statewide automotive initiative – companies will be impressed by our ability to work together to support their production and workforce.”

Oklahoma’s workforce is ready to meet the demands of automotive companies. As of 2021, Oklahoma has more than 12,000 automotive engineers and technicians employed in the state. There are another 33,000 jobs that have a 90-94% job skills match with automotive engineers meaning these workers are well-suited for an industry shift and would require minimal training. Additionally, the state’s low- to no-cost training program through Oklahoma CareerTech allows companies to quickly customize workforce training programs to suit their specific needs.

“Oklahoma’s Commerce team has been highly responsive to the level of interest we are seeing from automotive companies and their suppliers,” said Mueller. “We are anxious for more automotive companies to call Oklahoma home. Oklahoma was among the first states to fully reopen after the pandemic and Governor Stitt and I are committed to continuing to do everything we can to help all of our employers prosper.”

Springer added, “With this level of momentum, it’s only a matter of time before we start making announcements regarding automotive companies choosing to bring operations to Oklahoma.”