December 06, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2010
Governor led effort to keep plant open, save 2,150 jobs
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited Chrysler's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) to celebrate the company's $850 million investment that will modernize the facility. The governor played an instrumental role in preventing the plant from closing, saving a total of 2,150 jobs when counting the 900 second-shift jobs that will begin in 2011.
"The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant strengthens Michigan's position as the North American capital of the auto industry," Granholm said. "Chrysler is investing in Michigan and the future of the American auto industry by bringing together world-class products and a top-flight workforce right here in Sterling Heights."
Originally SHAP was to close down by the end of this year. With the governor leading the effort to provide Chrysler with state and local tax incentives, the company decided to keep SHAP open. The company's new investment in SHAP includes construction of a three-story paint facility.
Today Chrysler is launching the Chrysler 200 sedan, a vehicle with an all-new interior, new exterior design, fuel-efficient V-6 engine and improved acoustics. The Dodge Avenger is also manufactured at SHAP and received a major overhaul for 2011 with all-new interior, a new powertrain lineup and redesigned suspension.
"Chrysler is retooling to become a new model of efficient American manufacturing," Granholm said.
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