Alkane Truck Company, a South Carolina-based assembler of alternative fuel vehicles, has announced plans to establish more than a dozen assembly facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico over the next three years.

The company said it is rolling out the expansion plan to accelerate its production timeline in response to orders from its dealership network. This is the first time that Alkane has offered its business model to independent entrepreneurs.

 “We will provide training for their employees and deliver all components required to assemble Alkane vehicles for direct shipment to our existing and ever-expanding dealership network," said Bob Smith, CEO of Alkane Truck Company. These business partners will own 100% of their associated assembly facility, so profits generated would be entirely their own; and as owners, they'll also be the recipients of any state and local incentives offered to new business startups in their respective regions."

Alkane is currently working with economic development offices to identify potential business partners interested in becoming contract assemblers.

"Proximity to shipping ports, transportation hubs and easy highway access would be ideal," said Smith. "We are looking for a facility of around 20,000 square feet under one roof with about a 30,000 square foot outside staging area and at least one truck-level dock for use loading and unloading with a forklift."

For an initial licensing fee and a monthly charge, each owner or operator will be allowed to use the Alkane brand name, Alkane's EPA, CARB, and DOT certificates, and the company's supply chain to assemble and deliver its Class 7 and 8 trucks as well as the Humvee-style Dominator vehicle.

Assembly facilities will be required to pay for and maintain an inventory of parts while Alkane will provide ongoing support and replacement parts.

"Not a 'franchise' agreement but rather a simple contract, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in vehicle assembly to get into business with very little risk," said Smith. "Bringing an assembly facility into a community can have an incalculable economic impact-- improving the quality of life of local residents, flooding cash into struggling existing companies and paving the way for new startups in ancillary businesses. These will be high-paying, skilled jobs."