The Fiat Chrysler Assembly Plant in Belvidere is idled this week because of a supplier problem.
Fiat Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson says a tornado took the roof off of a supplier facility in Ontario, Canada Aug. 24. That led to a parts shortage that in turn spurred the temporary shutdown in Belvidere. Tinson says the company will assess the supplier’s recovery efforts later this week and decide whether to extend the shutdown. She says the Belvidere plant’s workers are on temporary layoff and will draw unemployment and other compensation as covered by their contracts.
The plant currently employs 4,500 people. It produces the Dodge Dart, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. Those lines are being phased out at the plant and will be replaced next year by the Jeep Cherokee, a move the company says will create 300 new jobs.
