The multi-year contract with GM will add 300 jobs to Navistar’s Springfield, Ohio plant and free up factory space at GM’s Wentzville, Mo. plant where it plans on increasing pickup production.
“We’re very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity,” said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. “Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we’ve been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy.
“This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry.”
GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company’s Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses.
“This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America manufacturing and labor relations vice president.
Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time.
Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar and WorkStar models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar’s Springfield plant starting in 2018.
The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar’s expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM’s commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar’s reentry into the Class 4/5 market.
