Future of Normal Mitsubishi plant in question

Posted on July 23, 2015
Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi’s 27 year run in Normal is in question following a report from Reuters.
(WJBC file photo)

By Terry James

NORMAL – Many questions are being asked following a report that appeared on the Reuters news service Thursday afternoon.

Reuters is reporting that Mitsubishi is planning to stop car production in the United States.  The news service sites a report from Japan.  WJBC News reached out to local Mitsubishi spokesman Dan Irvin.

“We do not have a statement at this time, however, as an organization, we continuously assess our supply chain to ensure we remain competitive and best positioned to serve our customers,” said Irvin.

Mitsubishi produces the Outlander Sport in Normal.  The Reuters report said its part of a strategic shift in the growing Asian Market.  The Normal plant has been open since 1988.

The Japanese report said Mitsubishi would begin negotiations with labor representatives to maintain employment for the plant’s workers.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…