Chrysler Invests Millions in Kenosha Engine Plant
The American car manufacturer Chrysler Group recently announced that they have earmarked a sum of $450 million for the improvement of their engine assembly plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The company announced that the sum will be used to retool the engine plant for the production of fuel-efficient V6 engines.
The improvements to be made at the said engine assembly facility are part of the company’s $3 billion investment on powertrain development. The retooling of the facility is a step to prepare the facility in the production of the company’s new engine known as Phoenix engines. The $3 billion investment also includes the development of the duel-clutch transmission which is a joint venture between Chrysler and German auto parts manufacturer Getrag.
The powertrain offensive initiated by Chrysler will also involve the production of common axle family. These initiatives are part of Chrysler’s commitment to produce fuel-efficient vehicles in the near future.
The Kenosha engine assembly plant is expected to be fully operational by January of 2011. Chrysler projects a production output of 400,000 engines annually for the facility. The powertrain offensive is also a part of Chrysler’s Recovery and Transformation Plan which aims to turn the ailing car manufacturer to profitability by 2008.
“This retooling investment will allow us to build an entirely new, globally competitive family of V-6 engines,” says Richard Chow-Wah, the Chrysler Group Vice President for Powertrain Manufacturing. “The Chrysler Group Recovery and Transformation Plan is focused on new products, and today’s news supports a long-term commitment to New Vehicle components that support consumer demand for refined, economical-to-operate vehicles for many years to come.”
During the announcement of the retooling of the Kenosha plant, the plant’s manager, Kevin Sell, has this to say: “Chrysler Group has had a 20-year-long presence in Kenosha – and even longer factoring in American Motors’ storied past. With this new tooling and this new engine line, we’re demonstrating the commitment of Chrysler Group to support economic development and invest in the communities where it does business.”
Also present at the announcement is Wisconsin Governor James Doyle who has this to say about the improvements to be made at the Kenosha plant: “Wisconsin is one of America’s leading manufacturing economies. This $450 million commitment by Chrysler to our state demonstrates that we continue to attract important investments that provide high paying jobs for our workforce. This shows what can happen when state and local governments work together to create a business-friendly environment.”
The retooling of the assembly plant will commence in June of 2010. The Kenosha plant produces engine assemblies while other auto parts like brake parts similar to EBC rotors are manufactured by independent auto parts manufacturer.
As for the reaction of the United Auto Workers, UAW Vice President General Holiefield has this to say: “This is an important day for the future of the UAW and Chrysler Group, and in particular for the continued competitiveness of our team here in the State of Wisconsin. We have a vision to see this company and our union grow this business and transform Chrysler Group into a stronger company that will be competitive for the long run. The investment we announce today proves that we are investing in this vision.” According to Chrysler Group, the Kenosha plant will hire 700 full-time employees when it becomes fully operational.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing Cars in his shop.
2011 Chrysler 300 static and driving footage
|
|
As Seen on TV: Songs from Commercials $3.00 This collection begs the question: Do the means justify the end? Even the title, As Seen on TV, is so crass one might expect a free set of Ginsu knives to be thrown in with the disc. But the trend set by those savvy TV advertising execs of pushing products from cars to clothes to cruises through hipster songs has resulted in an undeniably quality, albeit disparate, compilation. From the deva… |
|
|
City Bus Simulator (UK) $19.99 Transformed is the famous bus line M42 that goes from Hudson River to East River on 42nd street, one of the most known streets of New York City. You drive the typical Nova RTS T 80-260 bus, presented as a very detailed and true to the original 3D model. The original timetable and numerous exciting tasks challenge your skills as a bus driver. Complete route incl. side streets, which can be explore… |
|
|
MEGA TON FIRE TRUCK Matchbox MBX Super Convoy Die-Cast Vehicle * Detachable Cab * $14.47 MATCHBOX® MBX® SUPER CONVOY Assortment: This series of heavy-hauling trucks and accessories are loaded with detail and make these Matchbox® trucks kings of the road. Each truck has a die-cast cab, retractable stands, real metal finish and a plastic, detachable trailer. Vehicle measures approximately 9 inches long. Mix and match with different rigs from this series to make the ultimate big rig!… |
|
|
Marvel Universe 15 Pack Die-Cast Collection Collectible Toy Cars Toy $24.99 Product Features Marvel Universe Die-Cast Collection 15 Collectible Cars Fully licensed by Marvel, Dodge and General Motors Characters include Thor, Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Wolverine, Spiderman and more Recommended ages 3+ Marvel Universe Die-Cast Collection, 15 Collectible Cars. Characters include Thor, Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Wolverine, Spiderman and more! For collectin… |
|
|
Daron 3D Puzzles New York City Set of 3: Statue of Liberty | Empire State Building | Chrysler Building $34.95 For the 3D Puzzle or Big Apple fan! Set of 3 puzzles, 35 – 70 pieces each. Finished heights 9″ – 19″. Puzzles are printed on thin foam sheets, numbered for easy assembly. No glue required. Fun family activity…. |
|
|
Rain-X Latitude 8-In-1 Premium Graphite Coated Wiper Blade … |
|
|
XO Vision IR620 Universal IR Wireless Foldable Headphones for In-Car Video Listening $9.98 XO Vision IR620 Wireless IR Stereo Headphone IR620 Headphones & Earphones… |
|
|
Arkon GN047 Removable Swivel Air Vent Mount for Garmin nuvi GPS $14.95 Arkon GN047 Removable Vent Mount for Nuvi & StreetPilot… |
|
|
Shocking True Story: The Rise and Fall of Confidential, America’s Most Scandalous Scandal Magazine $3.50 A Q&A with Author Henry E. Scott Question: Shocking True Story is a full, behind-the-scenes look at the original scandal magazine that started it all–Confidential. You first came to this story, as you share in your acknowledgements, through another title, James Ellroyâs L.A. Confidential. How did that book start everything, and where did it take you? Henry E. Scott: I picked up J… |
|
|
Where Have All the Leaders Gone? $3.43 From Booklist Iacocca is outraged. Now 82, he has seen the U.S. overcome some of its worst crises, including the Great Depression and World War II, through great leadership. As the CEO of Chrysler Corporation, he brought the company back from the brink of bankruptcy and worked with the government to overcome the fallout from the 1970s oil crisis. Now, he says, our government has fallen under the g… |