“This was announced to workers (Monday),” Schrier said. “It’s positive and good news for the people in Springfield.”
The new truck line is the second one Springfield has received from other Navistar plants. In 2008, Springfield began producing ProStar daybeds from the idle Chatham, Ontario plant, which allowed Springfield to recall some of the 250 workers laid off last October.
The new production line may not immediately bring new jobs, but it ensures that recalled workers can keep their jobs. The last of all laid off workers were recalled in August.
“This also shows we went from roughly 300 people on the assembly line growing toward 1,000,” said John Detrick, Clark County Commissioner. “This is the first time in a decade we’ve been in a position to potentially add jobs.”
Production has been steady enough that Navistar has actually added some temporary jobs this year. Schrier said temp workers take up about 3 percent of the workforce, which is currently at 750 workers.
Jim Bodenmiller, city manager, said this is yet another example of positive economic outcomes in the Springfield community.
“With the 200 plus jobs recalled this year and recent call backs (Navistar) has been a real boost to the local economy,” Bodenmiller said. “We’re always out to add jobs to the community, but retaining what you have is goal number one.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or emason@coxohio.com.
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