Chrysler to keep Sterling Heights plant open beyond 2012, adding 900 workers in 2011

Chrysler Group LLC Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne

Chrysler has announced that it will keep its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) open beyond 2012 and add a second shift of nearly 900 workers in early 2011 in order to support the company”s long-term product plan.

“After a careful review of all of our manufacturing operations, it became evident that more production capacity was needed and it made good business sense to extend the life of SHAP,” Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group CEO said in a statement. “We appreciate the tireless support we have received from Governor Granholm and D. Gregory Main, Chair of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, as well as Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte and the City Council to retain jobs in Michigan.”

During President Barack Obama’s appearance at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant last week, Marchionne told reporters that the company plans to build Fiat-based successors to theChrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger at the factory.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)