Manufacturing

More than 400 new “green collar” jobs to be created

June 01, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today applauded General Electric’s (GE) decision to build its new line of energy-efficient, hybrid electric water heaters in Louisville, creating approximately 420 jobs.    » read more »

Markell says Boxwood employees deserved opportunity to help GM turn around

June 1, 2009 -- WILMINGTON -- Delaware Governor Jack Markell released the following statement Monday in response to General Motors' decision to close its Boxwood Road plant. Since taking office in January, Markell has worked with U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, U.S. Sen. Ted Kaufman and U.S. Rep. Mike Castle to be in frequent contact with GM officials.

The Governor also recently met with President Obama's car czar and told the company the state would be willing to offer assistance if GM would idle the plant instead of closing the facility.    » read more »

DEARBORN, Mich., June 1, 2009 – Today's announcement that GM is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is another important development during this unprecedented period for the auto industry and the global economy.

The Ford team continues to monitor the industry environment and plan for all contingencies to ensure our transformation plan remains on track. At this time, we do not expect any major disruptions to our operations as a result of today's news.    » read more »

First U.S. Manufactured ENERGY STAR® Qualified Water Heater Will Be Made in Kentucky Creating 400 New “Green Collar” Jobs

June 1, 2009 -- LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- GE’s (NYSE:GE) Consumer & Industrial division announced today that it will manufacture highly energy efficient hybrid electric water heaters in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Company’s Appliance Park facility - creating about 400 jobs.

The new hybrid patented technology will make GE the first manufacturer to introduce a water heater that will meet the new 2009 Department of Energy ENERGY STAR standards for heat pump hot water heaters, putting GE well ahead of the competition.    » read more »

Judge Authorizes Access to $15 Billion in Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) Financing; GM Can Maintain Normal Operations without Impacting Customers, Employees and Key Suppliers

June 1, 2009 -- New York – General Motors Corporation today reported that it has received U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval to continue honoring all vehicle warranty programs and dealer incentive plans. This and other Court orders today enable GM to assure consumers that warranty coverage on GM vehicles will continue without interruption, whether they already own a GM vehicle or intend to buy a new one; that genuine GM parts will be supplied; and that GM-trained Goodwrench specialists will perform all services.    » read more »

Statement of Kent Kresa, Chairman

June 1, 2009 -- “The General Motors Board of Directors authorized the filing of a chapter 11 case with regret that this path proved necessary despite the best efforts of so many. Today marks a new beginning for General Motors. A court-supervised process and transfer of assets will enable a New GM to emerge as a stronger, healthier, more focused and nimbler company with a determination not to just survive but to excel.

"The Board concluded that the proposed transformation will maximize the value of the enterprise, and the return to the many stakeholders who have been involved with GM over the years.    » read more »

14 U.S. Manufacturing Plants & Three Service And Parts Operations Warehouses Impacted

June 1, 2009 -- DETROIT, Mich. -- General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) today announced details of its accelerated manufacturing plan to improve capacity utilization and flexibility for the New GM. GM also reaffirmed it will build a small car at one of its U.S. assembly plants on standby capacity status.    » read more »

May 28, 2009 -- WASHINGTON -- The United States has filed a civil complaint against PowerTrain Inc., Wood Sales Co. Inc., and Tool Mart Inc., all based in Golden, Miss., alleging that they imported and sold more than 78,000 Chinese-made engines that do not meet federal air pollution standards, the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that imported non-road engines and equipment comply with the Clean Air Act’s emissions standards. The filing marks the first federal court action enforcing the Clean Air Act’s emissions standards for portable generators, water pumps and other "non-handheld equipment."    » read more »

Gov. Riley signs a bill expanding Alabama’s economy incentives to help recruit more industries as a group of state and local economic developers watch.

May 26, 2009 -- MONTGOMERY - Alabama Governor Bob Riley signed a new law Tuesday that will help the state recruit new jobs.

The bill enhances Alabama’s recruitment arsenal so that industries other than manufacturing are eligible for the state’s economic incentives. Current incentives are limited primarily to manufacturing jobs.

Signing the bill at the State Capitol surrounded by members of his Cabinet and economic developers from across the state, the Governor noted the state’s remarkable success in recruiting manufacturing jobs and “mega-projects.”    » read more »

May 18, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today asked the CEO of General Motors, Fritz Henderson, to consider the impact that dealerships have on local communities as the company moves forward with restructuring and reducing its dealership network. Late last week, GM informed 1,100 dealerships that they would be losing their franchise agreements in a plan to cut 2,600 of its 6,200 dealerships under a restructuring agreement with the government.    » read more »

Senator Joins Auto Workers, Labor and Community Leaders to Discuss Federal Assistance to Support Future of Plant, Mansfield Region

May 18, 2009 -- MANSFIELD, OH – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today joined auto workers, labor officials, and community leaders to discuss the future of the General Motors stamping plant in Mansfield.

“It’s critical that we keep GM activity in Mansfield,” Brown said. “Workers at the Mansfield Stamping Plant are among our country’s most productive. The Mansfield Stamping Plan can be an important part of GM’s re-growth and future success.”    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - From May 11 to May 14, thousands of workers whose paychecks are tied to the U.S. auto industry joined bus tours through 11 states to showcase the ripple effect of economic devastation and lost jobs in industries ranging from steel and paper to shops on Main Street and public education. For highlights from the 11-state bus tour, visit www.madeinamericatour.org.    » read more »

State Grant Helps Siemens Energy Expand in Charlotte

5/14/2009 -- Raleigh -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today announced that Siemens Energy Inc., an international supplier of products and services for the generation, transmission and distribution of power, will expand its operations in Mecklenburg County. The company plans to invest nearly $50 million and create 226 jobs in Charlotte during the next five years.

“North Carolina is an international leader in innovative power and energy production, research and design,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our state continues to be attractive to leading-edge global companies looking to invest and expand here, thanks to our top-rated business climate, world-class research facilities, and skill and knowledge-based workforce.”    » read more »

Washington, DC (May 13, 2009) – Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) today praised the progress made by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee in its work to pass comprehensive climate change legislation with the following statement:

“The USW has been working to ensure that the new products and processes which will build the clean energy economy and solve the challenge of climate change are created here in the U.S. and built by American workers. We believe that addressing climate change and ensuring the strength of our nation’s manufacturing sector can be compatible goals.    » read more »

May 13, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today issued the following statement by AWEA CEO Denise Bode regarding the agreement by House Energy & Commerce Committee Democrats on a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES):    » read more »