All systems go for launch of Cruze production in Lordstown this week

By GRACE WYLER

gwyler@vindy.com

LORDSTOWN

Production of the highly anticipated Chevrolet Cruze begins today when the General Motors plant here comes back online after a two-week hiatus.

The plant’s 1,200 new workers will join the team today, as the plant starts full production with three shifts, a long-awaited ramping up for GM’s new compact car.

The plant will start Cruze production with three 10-hour shifts running four days a week, said Jim Graham, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112, which represents the workers at the Lordstown assembly plant.

“There is a lot of excitement, a lot of anticipation,” Graham said. “We want to make sure this thing gets off on the right foot.”

Cruze production will begin slowly to ensure an easy launch, Graham said. The first car is expected to roll off the line sometime Tuesday or Wednesday.

“We are going to ramp up very slowly in order for everyone to feel comfortable,” he said.

The Cruze will replace the Chevrolet Cobalt, also produced by the Lordstown complex. After a six-year run, the last Cobalt ran off the line June 25.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.