Chrysler to Invest $200 Million in Indianapolis Foundry

04/17/96

Chrysler announced that they will invest $200 million to modernize their Indianapolis Foundry plant over the next four year. The Indianapolis Foundry plant was constructed in 1946, purchased by Chrysler Corporation in 1960, and employs 1,105 people represented by UAW Locals 550 and 361. The workers at the plant produce cast iron 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engine blocks for automobiles and trucks manufactured in North America.

The company announced the modernization plans at ceremonies conducted in UAW Local 550's union hall. The program includes plans to replace existing tooling with state-of-the-art equipment that will be used to introduce two new engine blocks for a new line of truck engines. The new machinery and new robot processes will enable the plant to make blocks with greater precision tolerance, reduced casting weight, and higher quality levels. Chrysler will also construct a 114,000 square foot building, a 36,000 square foot cleaning room and a 6,000 square foot melt system building and install a new dust collection system and scrubber systems.

Ken Brune, plant manager of the Indianapolis foundry said, "These equipment and facility improvements combined with the highly productive workforce at UAW Locals 550 and 361 will allow the Foundry to continue to produce world-class products at competitive cost and quality standards."

Brune added that the "investment should help us to become one of the most modern foundries in the world, serving as a technological and environmentally-friendly model for others."

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel