Staying with the story
The Springfield News-Sun has provided unmatched coverage of Navistar, one of Clark County’s largest employers. It has closely tracked the truckmaker in recent years, including stories digging into its failed engine technology, its efforts to rebound and recent expansions.
By the numbers
$12 million — Navistar’s most recent investment in the Springfield plant
$20 million — GM’s investment in the Springfield facility
300 — Jobs expected to be added as part of the GM deal
1,500 — Estimated workers at the Springfield facility now
Navistar’s Springfield plant will add hundreds of jobs soon but just a few years ago workers weathered turmoil that included top management changes, legal struggles, a recession and a failed engine technology.
That turnaround is a combination of a better relationship with the UAW, a focus on quality and tough choices to cut costs, company leaders and industry experts said.
The truckmaker announced a joint agreement with GM last month to build medium-duty trucks in Springfield, along with a pledge to add at least 300 jobs over the next three years. That would push the local site close to 1,800 workers, a dramatic shift from just a few years ago when several local leaders believed the plant might close.
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