Marchionne Closes Chapter On Canadian Minivan Plant
While celebrating the successful turnaround for Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s Sterling Heights, Mich. plant, CEO Sergio Marchionne proclaimed the issue of upgrades made to the Windsor, Ont. plant with help from Canadian federal and provincial governments one no longer worth discussing.
Automotive News reports FCA pulled out of discussions with Canada over a $2 billion upgrade incentive package that would secure the long-term future of the plant after politicians referred to the request as “ransom” and “corporate welfare,” according to Marchionne:
Chrysler is not in the business of accepting handouts. And if provincial and federal authorities in Canada think that’s the way to attract foreign investment, I think they are in for a big shock.
It doesn’t matter. It’s gone. That chapter is closed. Fiat-Chrysler has moved on. The agenda, from my standpoint, is complete.
Regarding Sterling Heights, where the Chrysler 200 will go into production this week, the plant’s upgrade as “an apt symbol of how far Chrysler has come because of the courage and resilience of [its] people,” Marchionne explained. The plant was due to close in 2010, only to return to life through a $1 billion investment made in light of the success behind the restyled and renamed compact, and the capacity needed to fulfill demand.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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So what is the verdict, are the next minivans going to be made a Windsor or not? or is the jury still out.
@crazycarlarry - I suspect that Marchionne will play the "I'm going to close the plant" card when it comes time to negotiate a new contract with Unifor. The fact that he walked away from politicians most likely had to do with strings attached that would preserve union jobs. He may of walked way from 500-700K but his position is probably stronger because of it. He didn't want to become Government Motors Canada.
Congratulations Canada!! By joining NAFTA you didn't get US jobs, you just joined the US in shipping all manufacturing jobs to Mexico. Repeat after me: "Would you like fries with that???"
Where is Chrysler going to move Minivan production?