News

Chrysler Group LLC Announces Investment in Etobicoke Casting Plant in Canada

Date: 08.12.10
PRESS RELEASE:
  • $27.2 million investment in casting plant to produce front and rear crossmembers
  • 280 jobs to be retained
  • Investment secures future of facility

Toronto, August 12, 2010 — Chrysler Group LLC announced today that it would invest $27.2 million in its Etobicoke Casting Plant in Toronto to produce front and rear crossmembers for future Chrysler vehicles starting in the third quarter 2011. 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. 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."

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.

About the Etobicoke Casting Plant
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.

About Chrysler Canada
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2010. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep® Wrangler and Chrysler 300.

Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, 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 on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation — first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 — and Fiat's complementary technology — from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Corporate Website: http://www.chryslercanada.ca

Follow Chrysler news and video on:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler
Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm

Source: Chrysler Media Services