Chrysler Group announced
today that it will invest $27.2 million in its Etobicoke
Casting Plant in Toronto, Canada, to produce front and
rear crossmembers for future Chrysler vehicles starting
in the third quarter of next year. As part of the
investment, 280 jobs will be retained.
The new investment
will prepare the facility for crossmember production by
securing new tooling and equipment to enhance the
plant’s capability, and bringing in new technologies
that will improve the quality, testing and inspection
processes. A crossmember is a structural component in
the suspension system of the vehicle that transfers and
filters road loads from the control arms to the body of
the vehicle.
The Etobicoke Casting
Plant was built in 1942. The nearly 300,000-square-foot
facility was purchased by Chrysler Corporation in 1964
and underwent major expansions in 1965 and 1998. As of
June 30, 2010, there were 280 employees (236
CAW-represented hourly and 44 salaried employees) at the
plant. The Etobicoke plant currently produces aluminum
die castings and pistons for a variety of Chrysler
vehicles.
“We welcome this
investment in the Etobicoke Casting Plant as it is an
acknowledgement of the high quality components produced
by our skilled workforce for many years,” said Michael
Butz, Etobicoke Casting Plant Manager. “Being able to
expand our part portfolio better aligns with Chrysler’s
long-term product strategy, which ensures the future for
this facility.”
“We’re thrilled that
Chrysler is making the decision to invest in the
Etobicoke Casting plant and the skilled workforce
there,” said CAW National President Ken Lewenza. “This
will help preserve and enhance jobs in the city and give
a greater measure of security to our members and their
families well into the future.”
Founded as the Chrysler
Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in
Windsor, Ontario, and is celebrating its 85th
anniversary this year. Chrysler Canada's product lineup
includes the Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Wrangler and
Chrysler 300. Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Chrysler Group. Chrysler Group, formed in
2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group,
produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar
vehicles and products. With the resources, technology
and worldwide distribution network required to compete,
the alliance builds on Fiat’s technology. Fiat is
contributing technology, platforms and powertrains for
small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to
offer an expanded product line including more
environmentally friendly vehicles.
