Production Ends at GM Lordstown Wednesday
LORDSTOWN, Ohio – Production of the Chevrolet Cruze at the General Motors Lordstown Complex will officially end March 6, a communications representative for the automaker said Monday afternoon.
“We previously estimated that production would end Friday, March 8,” said Cheryl McCarron, communications team manager of North America manufacturing and labor at GM, in a release. “We know this will be an emotional day for our Lordstown team and we appreciate all their commitment and hard work to build the highest quality vehicles.”
The final car that comes off the line will be the last of its kind as GM discontinues production of the Cruze both here and at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, which builds the car for international markets.
In November, GM announced that it would end production at three North American plants: Lordstown, Detroit-Hamtramck and Oshawa, Ontario, assemblies.
The fate of the Lordstown Complex is still in the air, as GM has designated the plant with “unallocated” status. The UAW has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit-based automaker over the term, claiming that it works around language in the international’s contract as three plants across the country – all given “unallocated” status – are set to close without another model to produce assigned to them. The suit was filed in federal court in Youngstown.
About 1,500 workers – 1,400 hourly workers and 100 in the front office – are employed at the Lordstown plant. On Monday, UAW Local 1112 President Dave Green said 411 workers had accepted transfers to other plants. About 200 workers will remain at the plant to produce replacement and service parts, though how long they’ll be at the plant has not been disclosed.
The General Motors Lordstown Complex opened in 1966 and has built cars for General Motors’ Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Buick and Oldsmobile brands.
Comprehensive coverage:
Last Shift Arrives at GM Lordstown (Video)
Flashback: GM Lordstown Celebrated 50 Years 2 Years Ago (Video)
As GM Ends Production, Region Prepares for Future
Last Day Dawns at General Motors Lordstown
Teachers, Autoworkers United to ‘Drive It Home’
UAW, Valley Message to GM: We’re ‘True Blue’ Loyal
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