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Chrysler Invests $600 Million in Belvidere Plant

This week, Chrysler is on a spending frenzy. Or, to be more accurate, on an investing frenzy. Only yesterday, the carmaker announced it will spend $1 billion to upgrade or retool two of its facilities, the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and in the GEMA Plant.

That's not enough, apparently, for the carmaker's expansion plans. Today, Chrysler said another $600 million will be directed towards the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, where it plans to manufacture what the industry calls Fiat-based vehicles.

Since Fiat and its technologies are still new to the American manufacturer, Chrysler will erect a 638,000 square-foot body shop and install new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment.

“The Belvidere Assembly Plant will be expanded and retooled in order to build the next generation of vehicles that will meet the needs of our customers,” said Scott Garberding, Chrysler Head of Manufacturing.

“More importantly, this investment recognizes the support of the UAW and the role that our skilled and dedicated workforce has played in producing some of the finest vehicles on the road today,” said Garberding.

“Through the implementation of World Class Manufacturing, Belvidere is transforming itself to become one of the safest and most efficient assembly plants.”


Chrysler refused to comment on what the vehicles to be manufactured here will be. Currently, the facility produces the Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber. More information will be made available next year, when work at the facility will be completed. The first new models will be coming off the assembly lines the following year.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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