PA DCED Secretary Issues Statement on Status of General Motors Plant in West Mifflin

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 1, 2005 -- Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky today issued the following statement on the potential closing of General Motors Corp.'s stamping plant in West Mifflin:

"Governor Rendell is committed to improving Pennsylvania's economy, and as our investments continue to enhance our competitive edge to attract employers, we must also do everything we can to keep existing businesses and jobs in the Commonwealth.

"Therefore, following Governor Rendell's directive, I have engaged the Governor's Action Team to meet with the United Auto Workers and local officials to explore every possible option to help keep the General Motors plant open.

"DCED and the Department of Labor and Industry will strive to guarantee economic security and maximize employment opportunities for GM's current workforce.

"Secretary Schmerin and I will also work closely with Representatives Ruffing and Gergely and Senator Costa to ensure that the state effectively pools its resources and works together with Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and other county and local officials to make the plant a vigorous and viable location for GM to keep open and continue to employ our hardworking men and women."

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry