Chrysler to invest $27.2 million in Toronto casting plant

Chrysler Group LLC announced August 12 that it would invest $27.2 million in its Etobicoke Casting Plant in Toronto to produce front and rear crossmembers for future Chrysler vehicles starting in the third quarter 2011. As part of the investment, 280 jobs will be retained.

The new investment will prepare the facility for crossmember production by securing new tooling and equipment to enhance the plant’s capability, and bringing in new technologies that will improve the quality, testing and inspection processes. The Etobicoke plant currently produces aluminum die castings and pistons for a variety of Chrysler vehicles.

“We welcome this investment in the Etobicoke Casting Plant as it is an acknowledgement of the high quality components produced by our skilled workforce for many years,” said Michael Butz, Etobicoke Casting plant manager. “Being able to expand our part portfolio better aligns with Chrysler’s long-term product strategy, which ensures the future for this facility.”

“We’re thrilled that Chrysler is making the decision to invest in the Etobicoke Casting plant and the skilled workforce there,” said Canadian Auto Workers national president Ken Lewenza. “This will help preserve and enhance jobs in the city and give a greater measure of security to our members and their families well into the future.”

A crossmember is a structural component in the suspension system of the vehicle that transfers and filters road loads from the control arms to the body of the vehicle.

About the Etobicoke Casting Plant
The Etobicoke Casting Plant was built in 1942. The nearly 300,000-square-foot facility was purchased by Chrysler Corporation in 1964 and underwent major expansions in 1965 and 1998. As of June 30, 2010, there were 280 employees (236 CAW-represented hourly and 44 salaried employees) at the plant.