Reeser: TSTC in Harlingen could house the next Tesla factory training center

HARLINGEN, Texas - Michael Reeser says the next Tesla factory training center could be built in Harlingen. The chancellor and CEO of Texas State Technical College spoke about the possibilities of the Rio Grande Valley being attractive to Tesla at a recent breakfast event held at TSTC in Harlingen.“Tesla is growing like weed in Texas. They are selling more and more units all the time. And we are beginning to rival California and Florida in terms of Tesla automobiles,” Reeser explained.“So, Tesla, about two years ago came to Texas and started looking around because they needed a higher ed partner to set up their factory training centers for their technicians. And what they needed was a host with a robust automotive offering who could see the longterm vision of electric vehicles in our industry.”Reeser said that after interviewing countless colleges across the state, Tesla picked TSTC to be their education partner in the state of Texas. “So, their very first factory training center was in Waco. They picked it because it is centrally located. The second one is in Houston. It is under construction right now and it will be finished in January,” Tesla said.“And, I predict and we have talked to them about it, your next one needs to be in Harlingen, where we already have a robust automotive program. So, the point is, Tesla looked at everyone and they picked us up.”The tie-up with Tesla is just one of the partnerships TSTC has developed. Reeser also mentioned the FAME program run by the National Association of Manufacturing and NIMS, otherwise known as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. And he mentioned a productive tie-up with Texas A&M University.Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.