GM Could Reopen Plants to Satisfy Demand

After General Motors closed several US plants as parts of its global reorganization, the American automaker might bring some of them back to life in a move supposed to help the company meet higher demand for several vehicles. Mark Reuss, GM's North American president, said in a statement at the 2010 North American International Auto Show that plants currently in charge of Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse production can't satisfy demand.

Both the Terrain and Equinox are manufactured in Ingersoll, Ontario, while the SRX is produced by Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

According to the Associated Press, Reuss mentioned a single factory that could be restored, Spring Hill, Tennessee, but refused to provide more details or release other names.

At this time, it appears that General Motors is still looking into ways to boost capacity at the existing factories rather than reopen the idled facilities. The company closed a total of 14 plants during its reorganization process while two other assemblies were put in standby to be used as a backup in case the company needs to boost capacity fast.

"We've got some plants that I'd like to allocate product to," Reuss said. He explained that Spring Hill could be a solution but emphasized that a decision on the matter is yet to be made.

Back in December, it was revealed that GM's Fairfax plant will move to a three-shift working schedule in an attempt to meet growing demand for the new Buick LaCrosse. The facility was rolling out 4,500 cars per week but, following the addition of a third shift, it boosted capacity to 6,300 units per week.