This past May, Chrysler's 59-year-old Trenton North engine plant closed. Happily, the city council has recently voted to approve a tax subsidy to help facilitate the reopening of 400,000 square feet of the 2.1-million square foot space.

Following the vote, Chrysler announced its plan to invest well over $110 million dollars in the reopening of the plant and create an additional 268 jobs. "Jobs are a big deal in Michigan," says Gerald Brown, Mayor of Trenton. "It's great for Trenton, and it's great for our [entire] region."¹

What does Chrysler plan to do with the reopened space at Trenton North? The American automaker plans to use it primarily to produce different Chrysler components...for example, camshafts for the increasingly popular Pentastar engine manufactured at the nearby Trenton South plant. "As Chrysler Group moves to replace seven V6 engines with the new Pentastar V6 it has become necessary to add capacity,"² explains Brian Harlow, VP and Head of Powertrain Manufacturing, Chrysler.

Mayor Brown hopes that the reopening of part of the Trenton North plant will spur other sections to reopen in the future. Chrysler suggests his wish might just become a reality, depending on how fast sales accelerate.

Only time will tell. But, we will certainly keep our fingers crossed. It would certainly be a very good thing - not only for Chrysler as a whole, but for residents in and around the Trenton, Michigan area.

Interested in more Chrysler news? Stay tuned. Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge, located at 2425 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015, is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Source: ^1,2http://www.freep.com/article/20110616/BUSINESS0103/106160453/1014/BUSINESS01