Kasich praises Lordstown workers, managers

Staff report

DETROIT

Ohio Gov. John Kasich met with representatives from the Big Three automakers Tuesday and said the General Motors Co. Lordstown facility scored high marks with GM officials.

“The Cruze has become the most-significant car — the No. 1 seller in America,” Kasich said.

“They are extremely pleased with how we are all working together. Management and labor in Lordstown created a model of how management and labor can work together.”

The Cruze, the best- selling vehicle in the compact-car category the past two months, has surprised many with its instant popularity.

“[GM] wasn’t really sure what was going to happen,” Kasich said. “It’s working; it’s just imperative that it continues to work.”

Bryan Roosa, GM executive director of state- government relations, said the relationship between Ohio and the automakers continues to improve.

“We’re very encouraged by the changes we see happening in Ohio,” he said. “The attitude toward manufacturers is very supportive, and it’s helping create a very strong environment for business.”

Chrysler Group LLC also announced an investment of $72 million at its Perrysburg plant that will solidify 640 jobs. Kasich said a possible multimillion-dollar, 1,100-job expansion in Toledo was discussed but that nothing was set in stone.