March 8, 2021—General Motors has extended shutdowns of three assembly plants and will idle a fourth due to the severe shortage of semiconductor chips, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Originally shuttered on Feb. 8, the shutdowns were expected to last until mid-March. However, the latest announcement will extend shutdowns at the Kansas City and Ontario plants until at least mid-April. A third plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, has extended downtime through the end of March.
Additionally, GM’s Gravatai plant in Brazil will take downtime in April and May.
The impact to GM production extends beyond just these four factories, though. For example, 170 hourly workers at Flint Engine Operations have been laid off since late February because its Small Gas Engines operation had to be idled due to the supply chain disruption at GM's other plants.
"The current semiconductor automotive chip shortage has disrupted production plans for automakers and hurt workers," Brian Rothenberg, United Auto Workers spokesman, told the publication. "It is a stark reminder of why we must make critical manufacturing supplies that are needed for our economic well-being, health, and national security in the United States."
