Chrysler Group LLC on May 11 announced that it would invest $43 million in new equipment and tooling to expand its operations in Kokomo, Ind. The investment will create 399 new positions, including up to 379 to be filled by employees called back from lay-off status and 20 new hires in supervisory positions.
The investment will be used to increase capacity at the Company's Kokomo Casting and Kokomo Transmission plants, adapt them to support production of the World Engine and improve processes for the 62TE transmission program.
"As Chrysler Group works to implement the very robust business plan outlined on Nov. 4, 2009, our facilities in Kokomo will play an integral role in achieving those objectives," said Scott Garberding, senior vice president and head of manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. "This investment will keep our facilities at the forefront of innovation and advanced technology. We want to thank the City of Kokomo for approving our tax abatement request and their continued support."
"Over the past several years, Chrysler has shown a continued commitment to investing in Kokomo, allowing our plants to stay on the cutting edge of automotive technology," said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. "This investment is great news for Chrysler, and it's great news for our community."
With this announcement, Chrysler Group has invested nearly $1 billion in its powertrain operations since 2007. In December 2009, the company announced that it would invest $179 million in its Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich., to produce the 1.4-liter, 16-valve Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE). In May 2007, Chrysler announced a $730 million investment in the Pentastar engine program, which began production at the all-new Trenton (Mich.) Engine Plant in March 2010.
The World Engine is built at the GEMA facility in Dundee, Mich. GEMA produces the 2.0- and 2.4-liter I-4 for use in the Chrysler Sebring and Sebring Convertible; Jeep Compass and Patriot; and Dodge Avenger, Caliber and Journey.
The 62TE transmission is used in the Chrysler Sebring, Sebring Convertible and Town & Country; and the Dodge Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan.
