Chrysler To Hire 1800 New Workers
BELVIDERE, ILL (WWJ) - Chrysler is adding 1800 new jobs at its Belvidere, Illinois plant, as it prepares to launch production of the new Dodge Dart compact car.
The announcement was made during a Thursday morning ceremony, dedicating a new body shop at the plant.
"Our decision is evidence of the faith we have in your level of commitment and your passion to deliver great products for our customers," said Chrysler CEO Marchionne, at a plant ceremony. "You have been essential in our ability to author a remarkable story of recovery."
Chrysler put $700 million dollars into the plant, and plans to phase in a third shift.
"It was not by chance that we chose Belvidere to make this investment and build the new Dodge Dart," Marchionne told employees. "Our decision is evidence of the faith we have in your level of commitment and your passion to deliver great products for our customers. You have been essential in our ability to author a remarkable story of recovery.
Chrysler says those interested in working at the Belvidere Assembly Plant can apply online at www.hourlychryslerjobs.com. Salaried and skilled trades positions can be found at www.chryslercareers.com.
The Belvidere plant will work on what Chrysler calls a "3-2-120" schedule, using three crews, each working four 10-hour straight-time days per week for a total of 120 hours of production time. Chrysler says employees on a 3-2-120 schedule work 49 fewer days per year, but the plant operates 49 more days.
The unique scheduled was worked out in an agreement reached with the United Auto Workers union.
"This announcement is proof that America's auto industry is indeed back," said UAW Vice President General Holiefield. "With the continued commitment and hard work of its UAW-represented workers, Chrysler will continue to add more good manufacturing jobs and introduce more industry-leading vehicles, securing the future for the Company and its entire workforce."
The Dodge Dart will go into production in April, and should go on sale over the summer. It was first shown to the public during last month's North American International Auto Show.
"It's a unique product, really, that we think is going to appeal quite well to the American public," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst with IHS Automotive.
The Dart is based on an Alfa Romeo product. But, it's been converted to meet American tastes, and have Dodge styling.
"This is really the first glimpse at what Fiat and Chrysler are planning to do together," said Bragman "We're going to be seeing a lot more of this kind of collaboration down the road."
Bragman says Chrysler plans to work with Fiat on a number of different vehicles, including small SUV's and mid-size sedans.
Sergio Marchionne says you'll be seeing the fruits of those labors soon.
"The real story is going to unfold in 2013, and it's going to start with the Detroit Auto Show a year from now."
Connect with Jeff Gilbert
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
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