Fiat Chrysler has plans to revamp its
Sterling Height Assembly Plant to produce the next generation Ram 1500 truck. The
company will spend nearly $1.5 billion on the project and has received an
alternative exemption from the State Essential Services Assessment by the Michigan
Strategic Fund. The recommended exemption is valued at $11.3 million, according
to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Fiat Chrysler has invested
$6.2 billion and created nearly 25,000 jobs across the nation since 2009.
The decision to reconstruct the
Sterling Heights facility stemmed from the halting of the Chrysler 200
production at the plant. This has caused the elimination of one shift and
indefinite layoffs for approximately 1,300 employees. The company commented in
a memo that, if a new product is not committed at this location, it is likely
the remaining shift will face indefinite layoff as well.