GM extends Oshawa assembly line to 2017; invests $12M to boost Equinox production - Windsor Star (blog)
General Motors said Wednesday it will invest $12 million to increase Chevrolet Equinox production on the consolidated production line at Oshawa Assembly and for related changes in the body shop at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll. The investment in Ontario-based production and supplier tools will help to meet strong North American customer demand for the Chevrolet Equinox, GM Canada president and managing director Steve Carlisle said in a statement. The investment also extends plans for ongoing Oshawa Assembly consolidated line production, which had been slated to close next year, to 2017, GM said. “We’re extremely happy that the plant is being extended for another year,” said Michael Munce, vice-president of Unifor Local 222, which represents 3,500 hourly workers at the plant. The future of the Oshawa facility has been in doubt amid plans by the carmaker to shift Chevy Camaro production to Michigan, a move that will affect 1,000 jobs. GM has said a decision on future product would depend on the outcome of 2016 contract negotiations with Unifor. GM first announced plans to close the consolidated line, one of its two remaining Oshawa assembly lines, in 2005. It was scheduled to cease production in 2008, but GM has repeatedly moved that date. In 2012, it was set to close in 2013. Most recently, it was expected to shut down in 2016. The union has been pressing GM to allocate new product to the Oshawa facility. Source: blogs.windsorstar.com
