GM Could Reopen Shuttered Factories

DETROIT-General Motors Co. is mulling over the possibility of opening some factories that were previously closed as the company went through bankruptcy proceedings. According to reports, Mark Reuss, GM North American president, says the company cannot build certain car models fast enough to meet demand, which could merit the reopening.

In recent months, GM has seen demand rise for its Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse. The plants that build these vehicles are at capacity and cannot produce enough to meet the demand.

According to an Associated Press report, the Terrain and Equinox are produced in Ingersoll, Ontario. The LaCrosse is made in Kansas City, KS; while the SRX is produced in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

Reuss did not say which factories could be reopened; it closed 14 factories during 2009. He mentioned a plant in Spring Hill, TN; but did not elaborate any plans GM may have for the site. For a short-term solution, he will be meeting with GM’s manufacturing and sales executives next week to find ways to increase the existing facilities delivery load.

Reuss made the comments on Monday at the North American International Auto Show here.

As GlobeSt.com reported, GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June.