GM to close up to five factories in the US, slash jobs

Around 15 per cent of the automaker’s North American jobs will go, with several model lines to be discontinued.

General Motors has announced plans to reduce salaried staff in the US by 15 per cent, and could close up to five factories there.

The company has “unallocated” production from three car factories (Oshawa, Detroit-Hamtramck and Lordstown), and two engine and transmission plants (Baltimore and Warren) after 2019.

GM has confirmed to the Canadian government it will close the Oshawa plant outside of Toronto, leading to a walk out by workers, and a lot of ill-feeling due to aid previously given to GM to keep the plant open and the company afloat.

It’s unknown whether the other plants will close, but today’s announcement certainly sets the stage for their possible demise. The General is due to begin contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union next year.

Products affected by today’s announcement include Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Volt.

While production of a few of these models may be moved elsewhere, some, like the Cruze, Volt, XTS and Impala, seem to be on particularly shaky ground.