Northwest Ohio is on the move

General Motors invested $56 million in its Toledo Powertrain plant in April and almost $380 million since the auto rescue.

During my recent travels around Ohio, I had the privilege of visiting the GM Powertrain plant in Toledo. While its work force dwindled to fewer than 800 during the auto crisis, today it is thriving, with nearly 2,000 workers dedicated to producing 1.25 million transmission products every year. 

Its turnaround is a testament to the character and skill of Ohio’s workers. Their perseverance and talent let the auto rescue achieve its goal of saving jobs and creating more. 

One in every eight Ohio jobs is connected to the auto industry. One in every six cars produced in the United States is made in Ohio.

Our state has a proud manufacturing history, and now we are adding manufacturing jobs for the first time since the 1990s. Looking at Toledo’s recent successes, it’s not difficult to see why.

Just last month, GM invested $56 million in its Toledo Powertrain plant and has invested nearly $380 million in the facility since the auto rescue. Combine this with Chrysler’s latest $20 million investment in its Perrysburg machining plant, and Northwest Ohio is as robust a manufacturing hub as any.

This is a true American success story that we should all be proud of. I’d like to thank the United Auto Workers and GM Powertrain plant management for making it possible. Together, we are moving our economy forward.

SHERROD BROWN

U.S. Senate

Washington