DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - General Motors is extending the life of its only Detroit factory until early next year.
The Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant was supposed to stop making vehicles as of June 1. But GM announced Friday that production will continue into January of 2020.
The automaker says the plant, located along East Grand Boulevard and Harper Avenue, will stay open as it produces the Chevrolet Impala, a high-performance version of the Cadillac CT6, and other vehicles with its "Super Cruise" advanced driver assist system. But the plant is likely to close early next year.
The Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant is one of five that GM plans to shutter as part of a restructuring to cut costs and reduce underused plants. In all, GM is shedding about 5,000 factory jobs and another 8,000 salaried workers.
The UAW called the announcement a sense of relief for workers.
"We commend GM for today's decision and we reiterate the importance of a collective bargaining process in times like these," the statement said.
About 1,500 people work at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
