Two Springfield International Motors plants will soon be liquidated through a sale to Roshel Inc.
Virtually all of the employees at the company's Springfield assembly plant and truck specialty center will subsequently be laid off as part of this sale by Oct. 2. But International says the new owner will negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.
All of International Motors’ Springfield operations are expected to cease by the projected sale closing date.
Roshel intends to take up operations at both Springfield locations at some point after the sale is complete. No information on staffing was provided in the International Motors' WARN letter to the state.
International said in a statement to WYSO that the state layoff notice is required by law.
"As part of the asset purchase agreement, Roshel has agreed to recognize the union and negotiate with the local union to establish a new bargaining agreement for plant employees,” International said. “The WARN notice is simply a legal requirement, and it does not reflect any change to Roshel’s future plans. International appreciates the legacy of the plant and the years of dedication by the Springfield team, and we look forward to Roshel’s investments in the plant to position it for new production.”
This sale ends over 100 years of the company’s operations in Clark County.
"We are hopeful this transition represents a new chapter that can build on Springfield’s strong manufacturing legacy and create future opportunities for jobs and economic growth," said Springfield Mayor Rob Rue in a previous statement on the sale.
International Motors of Springfield currently employs approximately 1,314 people at its Springfield assembly plant and 27 people at its truck specialty center.
A majority of staff at the assembly plant are represented by the union, with 1,137 employees involved. At the company's truck specialty center, 21 staff are represented by the union.
