Inform, Entertain, Inspire
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

GM to delay closing Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant

calypsocom
/
Flickr

General Motors says it’s extending the life of its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant for another seven months.

The company had planned to close the plant in June, but GM said Friday it will now keep it open through January 2020.

Detroit-Hamtramck employs about 1600 people and makes four vehicles, including the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac CT6.

GM now says it will keep the plant going making those two cars through early next year.

“We are balancing production timing while continuing the availability of Cadillac advanced technology features currently included in the CT6-V, the Blackwing Twin-Turbo V-8 and Super Cruise.  The completion of production for these vehicles had been previously scheduled to occur in June,” the company said in a statement.

It still appears the plant will close after that. Nonetheless, United Auto Workers officials hailed the move, saying it provides a “sense of relief” to Detroit-Hamtramck workers, their families and the community.

Many Detroit-Hamtramck workers are eligible for transfers to other GM plants, and hundreds have already lined up new placements.

Detroit-Hamtramck is one of five North American plants GM has announced plans to close.

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Radio in October, 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit. Before her arrival at Michigan Radio, Sarah worked at WDET-FM as a reporter and producer.