"This plant is going through major changes that will contributeto Chrysler Group's future success," says Robert Varsanik, plantmanager. "The company has made this investment in our employees andfacilities to ensure that we will be competitive in the globalmarketplace."

The company said it will spend $155 million to build the new4.0L engine line and $142 million to completely upgrade the plant's3.8L engine line. Both engine lines will benefit from new tooling,equipment, and quality control systems. For example, 100% ofengines coming off the line will be tested for noise, vibration andharshness andverification of oil circuits by new state-of-the artcold-test stations. New, advanced hot-test stations will also beadded.

The TEP has approximately 1,600 employees represented by UAWLocals 372, 889, and 412. "The support of local UAW leadership wascritical to securing this important investment commitment," saysNate Gooden, UAW vice president and member of the DaimlerChryslerAG supervisory board. "This investment will help to maintain theplant's viability, benefiting employees, the company and thecommunity."