Several plants across the country are recalling assemblers.


After months of bailouts, court battles and slumping sales, there are signs the auto industry is steering out of its skid. Across the country, the industry looks like it’s picking up a little. In Michigan, 900 laid-offGM workers will returnto their jobs at the Lansing Delta Township assembly plant by the end of August. Growing sales of the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook crossovers have prompted GM to bring back the second shift that was cut in March.

In addition, Chrysler announced that production at seven of its 11 assembly lineswill restartlater this month. In fact, Chrysler's Sterling Heights, MI, assembly plant will open as early as the week of June 29th for the first time since the company filed for bankruptcy. The company has put forward plans to reopen another six of its assembly lines for ar manufacturing as well as other plants that make powertrains, axles and other components. But three main assembly lines, in Illinois, Detroit and Mexico will remain shut for the time being. Still, it’s better than nothing.

Finally, Daimler Trucks North America will recall more than 100 workers at its plants in North Carolina. Spokeswoman Amy Sills confirms the company will temporarily recall 35 workers at its Mount Holly truck manufacturing facility to accommodate summer-vacation schedules. Daimler also plans to recall 55 workers at its Gastonia parts plant to meet demand for its products. An additional 22 employees are being added to absorb functions previously performed at the Southern Logistics Center in Charlotte, which is slated to close this summer.MORE

Let’s hope these are signs of things to come!