Third Shift At DaimlerChrysler Plant Expected To Increase Stateline Economic Growth

Belvidere, IL- DaimlerChrysler announced Wednesday that the company is adding a third shift at their Belvidere assembly plant. The impact of Chrysler`s third shift means economic growth for the entire region. Mark Williams of Growth Dimensions, located in Belvidere, said, "We anticipated going into this that it was going to be about 3,000 jobs total with the suppliers and DaimlerChrysler. With a third shift maybe we`ll be over that mark." Belvidere city officials say the additional shift at the Chrysler plant is good news for everyone in the area. "As a result of that investment, they`re creating the additional jobs and that`s good for everyone," Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton said. "That`s good for other employers that people will be spending their dollars and investing more dollars in our community so it`s great news." DaimlerChrysler suppliers are gearing up for the added production levels they`ll be facing. Grupo Antolin, who makes door assemblies, will need more workers to meet Chrysler`s increased needs. Grupo Antolin`s Operations Manager, Justin Bremer, said, "We like to plan ahead, to be prepared. We`ll be bringing people in a little bit earlier than some of our fellow suppliers. We at Grupo put a lot of focus on training and quality so we feel it`s important to start now." And the economic impact won`t stop in Belvidere. Janyce Fadden, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, said, "Many of the workers that come to the plant have the choice to work in Boone or Winnebago counties. Many of them live in Winnebago county and so many of the workers will come from our area. It will be great for both the workers in our county and Boone county to apply for these jobs." The third shift at Chrysler is due to begin in July.