By Eric Stock and Terry James
NORMAL – Mitsubishi Motors has issued a statement confirming it is ending production at its plant in Normal and is seeking a buyer.
In a statement released to the media Friday morning, the company said, “Following a review of Mitsubishi Motor Corporation’s global supply chain, we have been informed it is necessary to end production and seek a strategic buyer for the Normal plant. MMC’s Board will make a formal decision in the near future and our focus right now is to identify a buyer who would continue to operate and maintain employment – the best potential outcome for our employees and the community. Today, we shared this news with our employees and our intent to work in partnership with the UAW and civic leaders over the coming months to achieve a successful result.”
Local leaders met for a news conference in Normal Friday afternoon.
Normal Mayor Kris Koos says work is underway to find a new use for the plant. “We need to embrace this decision by Mitsubishi as a new opportunity for our community,” said Koos. “and to aggressively engage key local, state, and federal leaders to help us develop an aggressive strategy to find a new owner for the local Mitsubishi community.”
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner says the community will come together. “I know that our state officials and our local officials are all committed to making sure we make progress in our community,” said Renner. “We’ve gotten through tough times in the past and we will get through this as well.”
State Representative Dan Brady says talks are already underway to find a buyer for the plant. “There are ongoing discussions,” said Brady. “There are ongoing things that could be beneficial down the road, I cannot disclose those at this time, but we will be working as aggressively as we can.”
State Senator Bill Brady says it may be easier than some think to find a buyer for the plant. “So, we really believe where there may be a difficult challenge today there may be a great opportunity in the future with all that we have to offer…..We’re going to reach out to every automobile manufacturer in the world to see if they have an interest in this.”
There have been reports for weeks that Mitsubishi was looking to shift its production more toward the Asian markets. The Mitsubishi plant in Normal started production in 1988.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
Terry James can be reached at [email protected].
