Nearly 165 Belvidere Employees Return To Full-Time Work

In a positive turn of events just in time for the holiday season, approximately 165 employees previously laid off due to the closure of the Belvidere Assembly Plant have secured full-time positions within Stellantis this week.

These employees are set to bolster operations for Mopar, Stellantis’ prominent parts and service division, at a warehouse situated in Belvidere, Illinois, approximately 70 miles west of Chicago.

Presently, about 115 employees are actively engaged in processing parts for distribution to dealers at the warehouse adjacent to the plant. The remaining employees will undergo comprehensive training at the Chicago Parts Distribution Center in Naperville, Illinois. Following the completion of their training, they are slated to transition to the Belvidere location the following week.

Mark Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis North America, expressed, “It has always been our goal to find full-time employment opportunities for the Belvidere workforce. This marks a significant first step in our efforts to reinstate operations within this community, offering substantial, well-compensated positions with exceptional benefits, both for those previously on layoff and for those seeking to return home.”

The Belvidere Assembly Plant ceased operations on February 28, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 workers being laid off. However, recent negotiations between Stellantis and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have borne fruitful outcomes. A collective decision led to plans for a new joint venture for an electric vehicle battery plant, the establishment of a Mopar Mega Hub, and the resumption of production for a midsized pickup truck – all set to take place in Belvidere.

This promising venture is anticipated to entail an investment of approximately $5 billion in Belvidere. State and federal tax incentives, including Illinois’ $400 million “closing fund,” have significantly contributed to facilitating this initiative.

Furthermore, an essential agreement between the company and the union has been reached to eliminate the wage tier disparity between Mopar employees and their assembly plant counterparts. This strategic move aims to ensure a seamless transition for employees shifting from a manufacturing facility to a parts distribution center.

The inauguration of the parts distribution center marks the initial phase in the revival of operations in Belvidere. Subsequent steps include the commencement of production for an undisclosed midsized truck, projected to commence in 2027, alongside the launch of the battery plant in 2028. These facilities are expected to employ approximately 3,000 individuals, signifying a substantial economic boon for the region.