Chrysler invests nearly $28M in Toledo Machining Plant

Tom LaSorda, Chrysler LLC vice chairman and president, announced January 21 that Chrysler would invest nearly $28 million in its Toledo (Ohio) Machining Plant. The plans were revealed during a keynote speech at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.

Toledo Machining, which currently builds torque converters and steering columns, will divide the investment into two separate parts of the plant: $26.4 million will go toward the manufacturing of a redesigned torque converter for automatic transmissions and an additional $1.5 million will be used for production of a new steering column.

The torque converter investment will deliver improved fuel efficiency and refinement and retain 164 jobs. The steering column investment will retain 44 hourly jobs.

“Chrysler’s investments in the Toledo area are rooted in our faith that we can keep good-paying manufacturing jobs in America as long as government, our unions and our companies all pull together for the common good,” said LaSorda. “We at Chrysler have a stake in Toledo being a vital city, and we’re pleased at the ongoing progress.”

Overall, the Toledo Machining investment will enhance Chrysler’s ability to offer the highest quality products and advanced technical expertise.

“This is an important day for the future of the UAW and Chrysler, and in particular for the continued competitiveness of our team here in the State of Ohio," said General Holiefield, United Auto Workers vice president, who directs the union's Chrysler Department. "This investment is a significant step toward realizing our vision to see this company and our union grow this business and be competitive for the long run."

“Chrysler is the largest manufacturing employer and one of the best corporate citizens in Wood County.” said Tom Blaha, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission. “This investment is a testament to the hard working men and women at Toledo Machining.”

The Toledo Machining Plant is located in Perrysburg, Ohio. The plant covers 1.2 million square feet and employs 1,530. Employees at the plant are represented by UAW Local #1435. The plant builds steering columns and torque converters for vehicles across the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge product line.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler has invested $3.9 billion in its Toledo manufacturing operations since 2001.