General Motors announced today that it will be reducing its Michigan workforce by an estimated 1,300 employees. The layoffs come as part of GM’s plan to discontinue production of several of its vehicles at the Lansing Grand River plant, which has been in production since 2001.
The Lansing Grand River plant has served as a hub for several GM vehicles over the years, ranging from the Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS to the Chevrolet Camaro, all of which have been discontinued from the line-up.
In an effort to reduce its production costs, GM has decided to close down its Lansing Grand River plant, which will have a major impact on the workers employed there. For many of these employees, the layoffs will mean an end to their employment with the company as well as a loss in their salaries.
In a statement from GM, the company said it has offered to relocate affected employees to other GM plants. However, the number of available positions is reportedly limited, making it difficult for affected employees to secure a new job.
General Motors has stated that they are attempting to help affected employees through its “Transition Support Program,” which includes job search assistance, job counseling, and career transition resources. GM has also announced that it is dedicated to helping communities affected by the layoffs by providing an “Hometown Support Program” which includes grant-funded grants and job assistance for displaced workers.
The GM layoffs are the latest in a long line of job cuts and factory closings by the company. This move is expected to have a major impact on the local economy, particularly the automotive industry, as well as on the employees affected. GM is one of the leading car companies in the state and as such, its decisions have the potential to have a ripple effect throughout Michigan’s economy and beyond.