Nemak, Saginaw Recalling Workers

Nemak’s Windsor Aluminum plant will resume production this week of General Motors Corp. 3.6-liter engine blocks, according to local news reports. The Ontario metalcasting plant halted its output of products for GM in January of this year, as a result of the automaker cutting production. Nemak continues to produce Ford’s Duratec engine blocks, also. About 36 Nemak workers will be recalled to the plant immediately, and up to 50 may eventually be recalled, according to a local union official. Nemak’s GM production line had previously employed about 100 workers. GM recently increased its domestic vehicle production volume for the third and fourth quarter of 2009 by 60,000 units. The decision is credited to increased demand for GM’s fuel-efficient vehicles as a result of the U.S. government’s now-discontinued “Cash for Clunkers” rebate program. GM’s own metalcasting operation in Saginaw, MI, is increasing output, too. About 50 workers have been recalled to the engine block and head casting plant there, according to a spokeswoman.