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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Hoosier Energy Helping Auto Suppliers Power Through Expansion

South Central Indiana REMC and its wholesale electric provider Hoosier Energy are helping to meet the power needs of TOA (USA) as it undergoes expansion.

2016 Auto/Aero Site Guide
For more than a decade, expansion has been the main mode of operation for TOA (USA) in Mooresville, Ind.; and South Central Indiana REMC (SCI REMC), along with its wholesale electric provider Hoosier Energy, have been integral to ensuring a seamless power supply during the company’s rapid growth.

Since June 2014, TOA (USA) has undertaken three significant construction projects and has invested a total ?of $111.2 million into its only U.S. facility, bringing 300 new jobs into the community. When all projects are ?completed, TOA (USA) will have nearly 1,000 employees working in 1 million square feet of facilities.

As a major a supplier to Subaru and Toyota, TOA specializes in frame and automotive suspension parts manufacturing. The facility has substantial existing power needs and has called on its power suppliers to meet the additional challenges of providing energy during construction.

TOA (USA) has been in expansion mode in South Central Indiana for more than a decade.
TOA (USA) has been in expansion mode in South Central Indiana for more than a decade.
South Central Indiana REMC and Hoosier Energy are monitoring TOA’s increasing electric load to provide real-time assessment of the current 10,500 KVA substation to ensure the company has the power it needs during expansion. A new replacement transformer is scheduled for installation in November 2016, but should more capacity be needed, Hoosier Energy has readied a mobile substation to supplement the existing power supply.

“TOA is a vital part of the local economy, and has added immense opportunities for the residents of the area,” says Jim Wittman, key accounts manager for Hoosier Energy. “We are committed to meeting the electric power needs of TOA; during biweekly meetings with our team, and TOA, we review progress and capacity to keep projects moving smoothly.”

SCI REMC has installed the electrical infrastructure for the expansion projects, including distribution circuits strategically rerouted out of the way of busy construction lanes, as well as transformers and wiring installed to meet TOA’s aggressive schedule.

“During construction, we have coordinated with large amounts of construction traffic and additional workers on site,” said President and CEO of SCI REMC Greg McKelfresh. “Communication has been key to meeting the temporary needs and planning for long-term demands.”

Separate meters also have been installed for TOA’s East Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing plants to take advantage of the available discounted economic development riders for industrial-level rate schedules available for new and expansion projects by SCI REMC and Hoosier Energy

“We value our relationship with SCI REMC and Hoosier Energy,” says Matt Gallo, director of sales and procurement for TOA (USA). “They have met every need when we needed it. They’ve been a big part of making our investments a success.” Gallo reports that projects are expected to be complete by early 2017.

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