GM brings back third shift to Spring Hill
General Motors will add back a third production shift in September at its Spring Hill manufacturing plant, the company said, a move expected to bring back 700 jobs lost in 2017, the company announced Wednesday.
GM announced in September it would be laying off nearly 700 employees at its Spring Hill plant in November because of “moderating sales,” it said in a notice filed with the state.
The reversal is the result of increased market demand for GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5 crossovers as consumers increasingly choose trucks, crossovers and SUVs over sedans, the company said in a statement Wednesday.
“This shift addition is not only an indication of the popularity of these GMC and Cadillac crossovers with customers but is testament to the great work being done by the Spring Hill Assembly team,” said Ken Knight, Spring Hill manufacturing plant executive director. “Their commitment to building quality vehicles is visible every day. It also demonstrates the strong spirit of teamwork between GM and our UAW partners, as we work together to satisfy our customers.”
Employees laid off last year in the elimination of the third shift have recall rights, meaning they can return to a similar position, said spokeswoman Kim Carpenter.
“We always adjust our production schedule to meet demand and we have increased demand for these products so we need a third shift,” she said.
GM has roughly 3,000 employees at the Spring Hill plant.
“Today’s investment is a perfect example of what we can achieve by working together and strengthening our UAW and GM relationships,” Mike Herron, UAW Local 1853 chairman, said. “I congratulate the entire Spring Hill Manufacturing workforce for their hard work, commitment and dedication to going above and beyond to build fantastic vehicles for our customers. This is very good news for our team members and for Middle Tennessee.”
The third shift announcement follows a separate, $294 million investment for a new Cadillac crossover and plant upgrades announced last year. GM will also build the Holden Acadia in Spring Hill in 2018 for export to Australia and New Zealand.
In its September WARN Act, GM said the workers laid off in November included about 300 temporary and 340 seniority production employees represented by the UAW. It could also affect 35 salaried employees, the company said.
Crossovers make up nearly 49 percent of the U.S. retail market, according to GM.
Total sales of Cadillac XT5 increased 10 percent and the vehicle is Cadillac’s best-selling model in every market where it is sold globally.
The Spring Hill plant opened in 1990 to produce Saturn vehicles.
Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter @JamieMcGee_.