General Motors has announced that their Windsor Transmission Plant will be shut down in the second quarter of 2010. The American automaker says that current four-speed, front-drive production mandates will be completed by then, and that following discussions during contact bargaining with the CAW, no replacement products can been found for the plant.
The North American market is shifting sharply from four-speed transmissions to more fuel efficient six-speed automatics- leaving the technology born at the 45-year-old Windsor Transmission Plant somewhat obsolete.
"This extremely difficult decision is in no way any reflection on our excellent Windsor workforce or their outstanding track record in producing great transmissions," said GM Canada President Arturo Elias. "We have worked extensively with our labour and government partners but have been led to the unavoidable conclusion that there are no available replacement products in the relevant timeframe for this location."
GM made the announcement to salaried and hourly employees yesterday, and will now work with them to develop appropriate transition plans following the plant's shut-down. The plant currently employs about 1,400 people.
photo:Philippe Champoux
The North American market is shifting sharply from four-speed transmissions to more fuel efficient six-speed automatics- leaving the technology born at the 45-year-old Windsor Transmission Plant somewhat obsolete.
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| Chevrolet HHR: One of many vehicles equipped with a 4-speed transmission that was built in Windsor. |
"This extremely difficult decision is in no way any reflection on our excellent Windsor workforce or their outstanding track record in producing great transmissions," said GM Canada President Arturo Elias. "We have worked extensively with our labour and government partners but have been led to the unavoidable conclusion that there are no available replacement products in the relevant timeframe for this location."
GM made the announcement to salaried and hourly employees yesterday, and will now work with them to develop appropriate transition plans following the plant's shut-down. The plant currently employs about 1,400 people.
photo:Philippe Champoux