A Tesla Model S is hoisted up two stories by crane to enter the Autodesk Design Gallery at One Market Street in SF. (Credit: Tesla)

October 1st is the big day. Tesla Motors plans to open the old NUMMI plant, which is of course, now the "Tesla Factory." The San Jose Mercury News tells us 40 people already work out of an office set up in the parking lot. As previously noted in this space, Tesla will use the factory to manufacture its Model S sedan. So far, nearly 3,000 people have put down deposits to reserve the car, and Tesla says deliveries will begin in 2012.

Tesla has 800 employees worldwide and is recruiting for more. The head count is expected to surpass 1,000 by the end of this year, and CEO Elon Musk has said Tesla could have 2,000 employees within the next few years.

The firm is fielding 2,000 - 3,000 résumés a month, many from former NUMMI workers still looking for work. To date, Tesla has hired 30 of them.