Automotive Industry
Stellantis, UAW Start Process to Reopen Illinois Assembly Plant
Retooling could begin this year, and new Jeeps could be rolling off the assembly line by 2028.
Photo courtesy Stellantis
BELVIDERE, IL—Leaders from the United Auto Workers and Stellantis have begun discussions to reopen the automaker’s assembly plant here, which has been shuttered since February 2023.
Retooling of the plant could begin this year, aiming for the production launch of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee by 2028.
Stellantis and UAW representatives toured the facility April 30.
“The team was impressed with the condition of the plant, but also had some concerns in areas such as the paint shop,” said UAW Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen in a Facebook post the following day.
The reopening, he continued, “is trending in the right direction. A few robots and a couple of alterations, we could be back up and running.”
The union and automaker met again on May 6 to negotiate a so-called launch agreement for the facility. The agreement defines terms not mentioned in the union’s contract with Stellantis from 2023. The agreement would define a “launch team,” their responsibilities, reopening logistics and other matters like overtime and training.
In October 2025, the automaker announced a $600 million investment for Belvidere. It claimed production would launch in 2027, creating about 3,300 jobs. That investment was postponed, and the first Jeep Compass may not leave the assembly line until June 2028—a month after the current Stellantis-UAW contract ends.Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
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