Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, June 28, 2000

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2000 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 CONTACT: Jill Homan 202/225-3061 Congressman Bob Ehrlich Lauds General Motors Decision to Increase Capacity at Allison Transmission Plant WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today welcomed General Motors decision to increase the production capacity of its Allison Transmission Division’s new facility near Baltimore in White Marsh, Maryland. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “I congratulate General Motors and its workers for their commitment and substantial investment in the Baltimore community. “I am working closely with General Motors’ CEO, John Smith, Jr., and GM government relations liaison to Maryland, Edward Kavjian, to ensure that these highly-skilled manufacturing jobs remain in Baltimore for many years to come.” The plant, scheduled to begin manufacturing Allison Transmission’s 1000 Series transmissions in January, 2001, will produce 280,000 transmissions annually - 140,000 more units than originally planned for the facility. GM’s new $206 million investment will expand the 400,000 square-foot White Marsh facility to 800,000 square-feet, bringing its total planned investment in the Allison plant to $423 million. The expansion is expected to add approximately 390 United Auto Workers (UAW)-represented and salaried jobs, bringing the total number of plant employees to 810. Congressman Ehrlich also expressed his continued concern about the future of the General Motors Broening Highway Truck Assembly plant. "GM has been an excellent corporate citizen, and I am encouraged by its decision to increase production capacity," Ehrlich said. "I am concerned, however, for the future of the UAW- represented employees currently working at the company’s Broening Highway Truck Assembly plant and their families. The long-term survival of GM’s oldest production facility remains in jeopardy risking thousands of jobs that we cannot afford to lose. I will continue working with General Motors representative, State officials, and the Maryland delegation for the hardworking