That’s It. Last Cruze Rolls Off Lordstown Assembly Line

LORDSTOWN, Ohio — The final Chevrolet Cruze built at the General Motors Complex here rolled off the assembly line at 2:30 p.m. today. An American flag was draped across the windshield. Workers stood and watched with many of them memorializing the sad moment.

Meanwhile political leaders weighed in with pledges to keep lobbying GM to allocate production of another vehicle to the plant, which now goes on “unallocated” status as the automaker describes it.

“I remain incredibly frustrated and disappointed with GM’s decision, but I’m not giving up on this plant and these workers,” said U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, in a statement. “GM says it will produce 20 new electric vehicles by 2023 and, at the very least, one of those should be in Lordstown. I will continue to press GM executives to recommit to Lordstown, do the right thing by these workers who have given so much to this company, and bring new production to this plant.”

In the Ohio House of Representatives, lawmakers unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 7 that urges GM to allocate a new product to the plant. The resolution noted that GM has received more than $60 million in tax credits from Ohio over the past decade.

“GM and Ohio have had a good relationship for generations, and I remain hopeful that relationship can continue into the future,” said Rep. Glenn Holmes (D-Girard), the lead sponsor of HCR 6. “Democrats and Republicans alike are united in our support of all the workers, families, and small businesses that stand to be affected, and will continue to pursue solutions that keep people working.”

Since the plant opened in 1966, more than 16 million vehicles have rolled off its assembly lines. With the last Cruze coming off the line today, some 1,400 members of the United Auto Workers will lose their jobs there, and another 300 salaried workers. Many will transfer to other GM plants and many will remain in the Mahoning Valley and look for new work.

Two years ago, when the plant was operating three shifts, more than 4,500 were employed. Since Cruze production began in 2011, more than 1.9 million sedans have been manufactured there.

Comprehensive coverage:

Last Shift Arrives at GM Lordstown (Video)

Last Day Dawns at General Motors Lordstown

As GM Ends Production, Region Prepares for Future

Flashback: GM Lordstown Celebrated 50 Years Two Years Ago (Video)

Teachers, Autoworkers United to ‘Drive It Home’

UAW, Valley Message to GM: We’re ‘True Blue’ Loyal

Production Ends at GM Lordstown Wednesday

Copyright 2020 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.