HON Honeywell International Inc

Tesla Motors Inc. is losing two if its top manufacturing executives just as it is looking to ramp up its production of the Model X SUV and prepare for the high-volume Model 3 electric car.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company said Greg Reichow, the vice president of production, and Josh Ensign, vice president of manufacturing, are leaving Tesla.

The departures come at a critical time for the company. Tesla still is ramping up production of its Model X SUV and is trying to pull forward production of the Model 3 a lower-cost electric car that comes out in 2017. Tesla already has nearly 400,000 reservations for the Model 3, which will require a geometric progression in manufacturing output compared with its current lineup of the Model X and Model S.

"My belief in Tesla's ability to successfully deliver great cars and inspire the world to drive electric remains as strong as ever," Mr. Reichow said in a statement.

Tesla said Mr. Reichow, who had been with Tesla since 2011, was taking a leave of absence, but that he would remain at Tesla until a replacement could be found.

Chief executive Elon Musk, said in a statement, that Mr. Reichow "and the team deserve a lot of credit for building an all-new manufacturing organization from the ground up and for making Model S and Model X a reality."

Mr. Ensign had been vice president of manufacturing at Tesla since June 2014, having come from Honeywell International Inc.'s aerospace division. Tesla confirmed his departure but didn't comment on the circumstances.

Tesla has struggled with parts shortages and some quality glitches with its Model X as it tries to ramp up production.

Tesla reports first quarter earnings after the market close on Wednesday.

Write to Mike Ramsey at michael.ramsey@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 04, 2016 13:45 ET (17:45 GMT)

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