In a move that promises to reinvigorate the local economy and bolster the labor force, Stellantis announced plans to reopen their Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant and shift production of the next-generation Dodge Durango to Detroit. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Stellantis' North America Chief Operating Officer Antonio Filosa has confirmed they will begin producing a new midsize pickup truck in Belvidere, creating jobs for about 1,500 UAW-represented employees.
Additionally, Stellantis is gearing up to enhance its manufacturing investment within the U.S., eyeing expansions in their Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana facilities. This includes producing the GME-T4 EVO engine—a move poised to retain manufacturing jobs domestically. The United Auto Workers (UAW) echoed this sentiment, with President Shawn Fain and Kevin Gotinsky, director at the UAW Stellantis Department, stating in a letter shared by NBC Chicago, "This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable."
The leadership shift at Stellantis has also played a role in realigning the company's future trajectory. Following the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares last month, there appears to be an air of renegotiated trust and investment in UAW members and local communities. In a reflection of this renewed spirit, "John told the president that building on our proud, more than 100-year history in the U.S., we plan to continue that legacy by further strengthening our U.S. manufacturing footprint and providing stability for our great American workforce," Fain and Gotinsky disclosed, in a statement obtained by the NBC Chicago.
The journey to secure this agreement has been educational for the UAW, with its leadership urging members to maintain their collective resilience. "Throughout this process we’ve all learned an important lesson: It takes a fight to keep jobs here in this country. We’ve shown the company, and the nation that we are ready for that fight," the union leaders told NBC Chicago.
