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Tesla is setting up casting lines in Gigafactory 1 ahead of Model Y production

It is becoming more likely every day that Tesla is going to produce Model Y at Gigafactory 1 in Nevada and now we learn that the automaker is setting up casting lines at the factory.

Gigafactory 1 has been rumored to be the production site for MOdel Y, but Tesla has refused to confirm it.

During its Q4 earnings report, Tesla said that it wants Model Y to reach volume production ‘most likely’ at Gigafactory 1 next year.

Tesla says that it is going to start spending on tooling for Model Y this year.

CEO Elon Musk confirmed that Model 3 will share 75% of its parts with Model Y, but the latter would still need a different body.

In a job listing for a BFC Process Technician at its Lathrop facility, Tesla wrote that the role would include travel in Nevada to help to build casting lines at Gigafactory 1.

Casting lines are often used to build auto body parts.

Tesla has been moving its casting production capacity to Lathrop to supply parts to Fremont factory, which is reaching its full capacity.

The company has since removed the listing referencing the job in Lathrop moving to Gigafactory 1, but it has other job listings in Lathrop referencing new casting lines and a new foundry.

Tesla describes the role of a Melt Process Engineer in Lathrop:

“You will be an integral part of emerging Materials Engineering organization, pursuing our mission to provide Materials, Processes and Joining methods that equip Tesla’s Engineers and Manufacturing Facilities with a competitive advantage in their mission to design and produce products that accelerate the world to sustainable energy. You will drive the integration and commissioning of our electric melting equipment, establish our foundry and drive the development of our new processes for aluminum high pressure die casting.”

The automaker has been expanding its presence in Lathrop to support its vehicle production in Fremont.

Tesla has been setting up a giant new building in the city, which is located about an hour east of Tesla’s Fremont factory.

As for Gigafactory 1, Tesla has been expanding the building for years now. It’s unclear if Tesla can establish Model Y production at the factory without expanding the building.

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