Chrysler Puts Eight Plants Back Online

Following Chrysler’s filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 30, it ceased production at all manufacturing plants to focus as much attention as possible to the legal matters. Fast forward to June 9, and not only has Chrysler emerged from its bankruptcy proceedings but it has also formed a promising partnership with Fiat. The New Chrysler, Chrysler Group LLC, will have eight factories back in production by the end of the month with more going online following the scheduled break for 2010 model year changeover. Although the break would have been a perfect opportunity to retool for the 2010 model year, it wasn’t exactly a planned occurrence so there are 2009 models that are waiting unfinished along the assembly line.

Considering Chrysler’s current financial condition, it is ironic that the first plant to restart production was the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant that builds the powerful Dodge Viper convertible and roadster. Work at this plant resumed on June 15, but other plants aren’t expected to start back up until the week of June 29. As expected, most of the plants reopening build some of Chrysler’s most popular vehicle including the Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler 300 . In addition to the vehicle assembly plants, supporting plants including transmission, stamping and powertrain facilities will also reopen to supply the seven assembly plants.

The plants that Chrysler plans to have opened by the end of this month include:

• Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - builds Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger
• Conner Avenue Assembly Plant (Detroit, Mich.) – builds Dodge Viper
• St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, Mo.) – builds Dodge Ram
• Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, Mich.) – builds Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring
• Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, Ohio) – builds Jeep Wrangler
• Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) – builds Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser
• Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Mich.) – builds Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
• Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) – builds Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan

Some rather unexpected news involves the Toluca Assembly Plant. While the Dodge Journey crossover is built here and it’s easy to see why Chrysler would be eager to get this plant in operation, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is also manufactured at this plant. It has recently been reported that not only will the PT Cruiser restart production alongside the Journey, but it will remain in production until December 2010. Considering the fact that the first PT Cruiser went into production in 2000 and its platform is derived from the second-generation Dodge/Plymouth Neon that went into production in 1999, the PT Cruiser’s modern retro styling have almost become retro itself after what will be 10 years in existence with no major changes.

All plants will then close again for two weeks starting July 13 as planned to prepare for 2010 models to be built. Following the reopening on July 27, the following plants are also expected to reopen:

• Belvidere Assembly Plant (Belvidere, Ill.) – builds Dodge Caliber , Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot
• Saltillo Truck Assembly (Saltillo, Mexico) – builds Dodge Ram
• Toledo North Assembly Plant (Toledo, Ohio) – builds Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro