EDON, OH – Following Chassix, Inc.’s announcement that it intends to close its auto parts machining plant in Edon, Ohio, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on Chassix to seek alternatives to this plan by bringing new investments to the facility.  

“I will always stand behind hardworking Ohioans and fight to protect their jobs,” Brown said. “In Ohio we know how to make things, especially cars. Chassix should build on the strength of Ohio’s auto industry by bringing new investments to the Edon plant, rather than shutting its doors for good.”     

In a sign of support for the Edon workers, Brown was represented at a worker’s rally today by his Ohio Economic Recovery Coordinator.

The Chassix facility in Edon produces auto parts specializing in tight tolerance machining products including brackets, control arms, driveline yokes, housings, knuckles, transmission components, and wheel hubs. 

Brown has long been a champion for Ohio’s auto workers. In early 2009 Brown was a strong advocate for the American auto rescue. In November 2008, he introduced S. 3175, the Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Act, with a bipartisan group of colleagues. In December 2008, Brown fought to ensure that funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) were allocated to aid the Big 3 and American auto suppliers—despite near-unanimous opposition from most House and Senate Republicans.

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; and 80 of Ohio’s 88 counties are home to an auto manufacturing facility.

Brown’s letter can be read in its entirety below:

 

Robert Remenar

President and CEO

Chassix, Inc.

3221 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 110
Troy, MI 48084

 

Dear Mr. Remenar:

 

It has come to my attention that Chassix, Inc., formerly known as Diversified Machine (DMI), recently announced its intention to close its facility in Edon, OH.  On behalf of hardworking Ohioans, I ask that you reconsider these plans. 

 

In Ohio, we know how to make things and we make them well.  Our state is at the center of the motor vehicle industry, with auto manufacturing facilities located in 80 counties throughout Ohio.  In the last several years, numerous automotive manufacturers have made hundreds of millions worth of investments in Ohio, largely because of the quality of our workforce.  I strongly believe that Chassix could build on Ohio’s recent automotive success by increasing production at the Edon plant, rather than shutting its doors for good.   

 

The workers in Edon are second to none in quality, productivity and efficiency, and they have demonstrated time after time their commitment to the company.  If Chassix moves forward with closing the Edon plant, it would cause job loss in Ohio and could harm the business by jeopardizing the quality service that the Ohio workers have provided for the company’s customers. 

 

I am confident that if given the opportunity, the Edon workers could help Chassix excel in the marketplace, grow its business, and create jobs for Ohioans. I ask that you give the Edon workers a chance to continue performing the work they have done so well, for so many years.  I stand ready to help you save and create jobs in Ohio.

 

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown

United States Senator

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