WAKARUSA — Electric Motors Corporation of Camarillo, California told WSBT News it plans an “exciting announcement” Thursday morning in Wakarusa. Gov. Mitch Daniels will be there along with local leaders, all to give the good news that laid-off workers in Elkhart County have been waiting months to hear: Jobs are coming.

On its website, Electric Motors Corporation says it specializes in the development and manufacturing of electric engines and vehicles. According to documents on the company website, EMC is working with Gulf Stream Coach of Nappanee.

Apparently, local leaders have been working on the deal for months.

A dozen elected officials wrote to the U.S. Department of Energy in March, asking the department to grant the corporation a loan to get started developing and building “second-generation light duty electric” pick-up trucks.

U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly, who represents part of the region, wrote that the project is a “much-needed opportunity” for Elkhart County, and said the consortium estimates the project could produce as many as 400 jobs within the first year of production and as many as 6,000 jobs by 2012.

In stores and restaurants downtown Wakarusa, word spread quickly.

“We need jobs really bad so it would be really nice to have a new place come in,” said resident Linda Spicher.

“Anytime you have a new startup, there’s always some risk involved,” said Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder. “(But) these seem to be quality individuals, well financed. So we have high hopes.”

Thursday morning, Gov. Daniels is expected to officially announce the project, talk about how many jobs will be available, and when, at a former RV dealership in Wakarusa.

Stay with WSBT News on air and online for the latest on this developing story.