GM plans on second shift of workers at Lordstown

General Motors intends to bring back a second shift of workers to its Lordstown complex to build the Chevrolet Cruze.

“We’re very bullish on the Cruze,” said Tim Lee, GM vice president of North American manufacturing, in a conference call with reporters today.

He added that a third shift would be added if “the product is hotter than we anticipate” but he doesn’t expect a third shift to be needed through 2012.

The complex added a third shift last year because small-car sales soared when gas prices rose. The complex was scaled back to one shift in January, however, when demand dropped off.

The Cruze is to be launched in April 2010.

Lee also said plans call for Lordstown to be the only source for the Cruze in North America, but executives are reviewing a possible second location.

For more information, see Tuesday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.