Chrysler Group Names Local Suppliers for Toledo Project

- Initial construction phase underway - Many Toledo-area companies working on-site - Building construction expected in early spring

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 16 -- Chrysler Group today named an extensive roster of local suppliers who have begun preparing the site of the highly anticipated supplier co-location project at the Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex. Since the formal announcement of new manufacturing project, construction crews have been laying the foundation for the buildings that will house vehicle production in 2006.

Many Toledo-area companies are currently involved in the initial work that will prepare the site for building construction. Nearly all of the skilled- trades work at the site is being done by members of Toledo-area labor union locals.

"We appreciate the Chrysler Group's commitment to our city. Much of the credit is due to the excellent United Auto Workers workforce that builds the Jeep(R) Liberty and Jeep Wrangler," said Toledo Mayor Jack Ford. "In addition to providing long-term employment opportunities for UAW workers, this expansion provides the added benefits of hundreds of new construction jobs for Toledo and area contractors and their employees."

"We have a deep commitment to our plant communities, and that commitment is demonstrated in the Toledo Project," said W. Frank Fountain, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President - External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills). "The Jeep facilities in Toledo are great success stories. Subsequently, their success benefits the community, as well."

One of Chrysler Group's suppliers, general contractor Walbridge Aldinger Company, already has 13 Toledo-area companies in place. It is expected that more than 130 tradespeople will work on the project. Among the Toledo-area companies that Walbridge Aldinger will employ:

  1. Motor City Electric
  2. Bayes Inc.
  3. TTL Associates*
  4. Toledo Caissons
  5. Fred Christen & Sons
  6. Bescol Bros, Inc.
  7. Davidson/Brown, Inc.
  8. AA Boos & Sons
  9. Geddis Paving and Excavation, Inc.
  10. Interstate Glass & Door
  11. Mannik & Smith Group
  12. Shambaugh & Son*
  13. Toledo Fence*

Another Chrysler Group supplier, Angelo Iafrate Construction Company (Iafrate), which is in charge of excavation, has seven Toledo-area businesses currently working at the site, including:

  1. Ebony Construction
  2. Romanoff Electric Co.
  3. Dunbar Mechanical
  4. Ohio Concrete Sawing
  5. Shambaugh and Son*
  6. Toledo Fence & Supply*
  7. TTL Associates*

In addition to the local area companies working on the site, a number of Toledo-area companies are supplying building materials, like concrete products, to the construction. Those suppliers include:

  1. Mack Industries
  2. Independent Concrete Pipe
  3. Kuhlman Corp.
  4. Stansley Group

  Construction of the buildings is expected to being in early spring.

In addition to the work already assigned, DaimlerChrysler's Diversity Supplier Development organization in conjunction with the City of Toledo is conducting a workshop in Toledo on November 16 to inform local businesses what opportunities are available to them and to answer their questions about how to get involved.

On August 3, 2004 the Chrysler Group announced plans to pursue an innovative manufacturing project in the City of Toledo that will feature the most advanced use of supplier co-location yet in North America. Part of a $2.1 billion total program investment, the project will be located on the company's existing manufacturing complex on the city's north side and will produce a family of future vehicles for sale worldwide.

* Companies working for both Tier 1 suppliers.

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