GM adds third shift in Oshawa for increase in Chevy Equinox production

2011 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ

Calling back workers that were previously laid off and hiring new workers is what makes good headlines for an automaker that was once going through bankruptcy and shutting down plants. General Motors announced yesterday that it will add a third shift at its Oshawa Assembly Plant in Ontario to increase production of the Chevrolet Equinox crossover.

The new shift will add 600 workers to the plant, GM said. GM is using Oshawa to help its main Equinox plant, CAMI, keep up with consumer demand for the Equinox and its platform sibling, the GMC Terrain.

The Oshawa plant has two assembly lines, one producing Chevrolet Impala sedans and Equinox on one line and Chevrolet Camaro sports cars on the other. Later this year, GM will add another shift of 700 to the Camaro line to add a Camaro Convertible and Buick Regal.

Spokesman Jason Easton said that when all is said and done, all 1,100 workers laid off at Oshawa in recent months will have been recalled and about 200 new hires will be made.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)