Chrysler Windsor Minivan Plant Taking "Extended Summer Break"

by Frank Williams

July 2nd, 2008 1:54 PM

chrysler windsor minivan plant taking extended summer break

Workers at Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario plant breathed a sigh of relief when Chrysler announced they're closing their St. Louis south plant to cut van production. Their relief may be short-lived, though. We've learned through a confidential informant that Chrysler is also shutting down the Windsor van plant through the end of August. This comes after some component plants have been running at full tilt, working overtime, weekends and even the Canada Day long weekend, to meet Chrysler's demands. This was totally unexpected and "scheduling people are running in circles trying to readjust inventories and halt our suppliers." Which plant will be the next to fall? Or will it be Chrysler itself?

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4 of 12 comments

on Jul 02, 2008

Well the layoff weeks are hardely top secret. The workers were notified of the extra weeks of downtime long ago. And note that St. Louis isn't closing until Halloween. This top secret info can be easily found at autoworker.net

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Geotpf on Jul 02, 2008
yankinwaoz : July 2nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm Do you all think the Detroit is going to end up with a Dell style model for making cars and trucks? In other words, they will not build the car until an order comes in, then whip one out and ship it to you? That way they keep inventory levels low and not waste money building cars that don’t sell. That was Roger Smith's goal. It didn't work too well out for him. In fact, I think it's safe to say that custom ordering cars has declined in the last few decades, not increased. The foreign builders basically don't do it, and the domestic dealers have so much stuff gathering dust on the lot that most people buy something already there for cheap instead of paying closer to sticker for something custom made. This ability would be a significant advantage for the domestics, if they could keep supply in line with demand. But they can't, so it isn't.

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Ryan on Jul 02, 2008

What? You mean Chryler is cutting back on Minvans? Wow, what else do they make?

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Brettc on Jul 03, 2008

I just hope they're stockpiling Routans, because those things are gonna be hot sellers. How can you go wrong with a thirsty Chrysler engine/transmission combo and a VW service department involved?

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