Illinois to Lose Auto Plant Later This Year

Mitsubishi will close its only auto plant in the United States — in central Illinois, where the Sportlander SUV was made — in November. The United Auto Workers said Monday the union will work with the automaker to find a buyer for the factory, which employs 1,200 people.

“We greatly value the work of all of our employees in Normal and want to stress that our motivation to exit from this facility is unrelated to labor costs or our relationship with the UAW,” said Hiroshi Harunari, executive vice president in charge of overseas operations for Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi employees, however, are reeling.

“This is a shock to all of us,” Kyle Young, vice president of United Auto Workers Local 2488, told Lee News Service. “We’re floored; we don’t have a clue what will happen. We’re all very stunned.”

The plant’s proximity to Midwestern auto-parts makers may be attractive to a buyer.

“At a time when a growing number of car manufacturers are seeking to expand production capacity in the U.S., we believe the Normal plant and its world-class workforce will be appealing to potential buyers,” said Ron McInroy, UAW regional director, in a statement.