US President Donald Trump is urging General Motors to reopen its Lordstown assembly plant in Warren, Ohio.
General Motors closed the Ohio plant earlier this month, cutting 1,700 jobs in the process. It is uncertain whether GM intends on permanently shutting it down.
Trump said in a tweet: “Because the economy is so good, General Motors must get their Lordstown, Ohio, plant open, maybe in a different form or with a new owner, FAST!”
He added: “Toyota is investing 13.5 $Billion in U.S., others likewise. G.M. MUST ACT QUICKLY. Time is of the essence!”
Because the economy is so good, General Motors must get their Lordstown, Ohio, plant open, maybe in a different form or with a new owner, FAST! Toyota is investing 13.5 $Billion in U.S., others likewise. G.M. MUST ACT QUICKLY. Time is of the essence!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2019
The 6.2 million-square-foot plant built its last car a week ago and is currently in a “state of readiness” while contract negotiations continue later this year.
The closure is part of GM’s companywide restructuring plan that involves closing five plants in North America by early next year.
According to The Detroit News, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said General Motors has indicated that it has been talking with other companies about taking over the plant for another use.
“My focus is to do everything to get jobs back in that plant, understanding that our hands are really tied until there is some movement from General Motors,” DeWine said Tuesday.
“At some point, if we’re going to help, we have to be involved. The sooner we can be involved, the earlier we can start helping,” he added.
