The Economy

GM Suspends Production at Louisiana Facility

March 17, 2011

Automaker cites shortage of parts resulting from crisis in Japan.

General Motors today announced that it has suspended production at its Shreveport, La., Assembly Plant for the week of March 21 due to a shortage of parts resulting from the tragic events in Japan.

"We will resume production at Shreveport as soon as possible, and at this point, we have sufficient vehicles to meet customer demand," the automaker said in a news release. "Employees should use specified plant-communication hotlines for updates about future production schedules."

All other GM plants in North America are operating normally, the automaker said.

"Like all global automakers, we will continue to follow the events in Japan closely to determine the business impact, working across the organization to maximize flexibility, supply the most critical operations, and effectively manage cost," GM said in a news release. "Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Japan and their families as they work to recover from this disaster."

See Also:

U.S. Imports of Auto-related Goods from Japan Expected to Decline

Analyst: Crisis in Japan Will Have 'Profound' Effect on Global Auto Industry

Analyst: Earthquake Poses Minor Threat to Global Economy

Follow IndustryWeek senior editor Josh Cable on Twitter at @JCable_IW .

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.