THINK North America, a Norwegian-based electric car maker, announced a plan to increase its production that will lead to the hiring of additional plant workers at its facility in Elkhart, Indiana. This year, the electric car manufacturer aims to produce about 2,500 cars and add more production lines at its 205,000-square-foot Elkhart headquarters, formerly a RV plant. THINK North America started its production in the area in October 2010. Think North America currently employs about 27 workers and the news jobs will bring the plant’s workforce to around 100.

Brendan Prebo, a spokesman for THINK North America, is surprised that the company’s productivity picked up early. He said that the additional employment and plant expansion occurred earlier than expected. “We have ramped-up operations faster than we expected to.” Prebo added that the expansion plan will bring additional work and will lessen the number of jobless people in the area. “That means more money and more jobs for Elkhart County, where the unemployment rate was as high as 13% last September.”

Karl Turner, manufacturing director, revealed that the state can expect more hiring from the company over the next two years. “When the plant reaches full production by 2013, it will employ over 400 workers. This is just the start for us. We have a bright and rosy future ahead.”