One of the major rumors we’ve been tracking is how the Corvette Assembly Plant would be making some changes to emphasize the production of the widebody Corvettes versus the base Stingray model and now a lot of these pieces are falling into place. Unfortunately, we are now hearing that the focus on C8 widebodies may in fact contribute to a loss of jobs at the Corvette Assembly Plant.
The reasons for the changes have to do with the overproduction of the base Stingray models, while emphasizing widebody production of the E-Ray, Z06, and the soon-to-be produced ZR1. Chevy probably clears more profit on the widebodies, and it also sets up the plant regarding the rumor of a C8 Grand Sport model which some enthusiasts like our friend Rick Conti says could supplant the Stingray as the most ordered Corvette in the C8 lineup.
Since we first posted this rumor back in January, we did get confirmation that the Corvette Assembly Plant would be closing for four weeks – one week in February, two weeks in March, and one more in May – and it was confirmed by sources close to the matter that the closures are indeed for “project improvements.”
Thanks to our friends at the MidEngineCorvetteForum, we now have a letter from the Local 2164 UAW chapter that was passed out to its members earlier this week that discusses potential layoffs for approximately 66 senior members due to the upcoming “de-rate plan” which we are assuming to mean a slowing of the rate of Corvettes produced each hour on the assembly line. Since specific improvements were made to the assembly plant for the C8 Corvette, the assembly plant has been completing around 11.6 Corvettes per hour. With the de-rate plan in place, it could slow the line to possibly somewhere around 8 per hour, which would allow more time per station for building widebody Corvettes while the number of Stingrays produced daily would potentially be decreased. We’re just speculating on the 8 per hour figure so don’t take that literally at this point.
With fewer Corvettes being produced by fewer employees, we believe that some of these improvements being made to the assembly line will see certain production activities consolidated, which means that employees could be responsible for several tasks during their station stop. John at MECF says that some of plant’s closure time could be used for additional training purposes which makes sense to us as well.
And finally, the letter informs the UAW members that the time frame for the layoffs to place will be mid-April although “a definite date has not been communicated” by management. The UAW letter also informs its members that if they are told their job is changing to request a copy of the “Management of Change” and other paperwork.
We are hoping for a positive outcome that that would allow prioritization of the widebody product without having to lose so many valuable members of the production team. We’ll keep our ears to the ground on any new developments to this situation.
Source:
MidEngineCorvetteForum.com
Related:
The Corvette Assembly Plant Will Be Closed During These Upcoming Weeks
[RUMOR] Is Chevy Preparing for Production of a Widebody Grand Sport C8?
Temporary Workers at the Corvette Assembly Plant May Be Let Go by GM Due to Disagreement with Local UAW
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Sometimes you just have to tighten the belt a little….
Work on pricing while you’re at it GM. Corvette used to be for the average hard working American. Let the 1% go buy Porsches.
Here’s an idea. Hire the people you let go–to produce all of the carbon fiber bits you cannot seem to keep in stock, GM.
I’m sorry for those impacted by the work force reduction. Let us hope the WFR is a performance base process that contributes to a leaner more efficient team.
Thanks to Keith for gathering so many details about this matter!
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and only five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you will do things differently.” -Warren Buffett
Thanks,
Ray
It’s a car the vehicle is for transportation make it affordable for any hard-working American to have and enjoy and feel good about owning one that’s what it’s all about you guys have enough money spread the wealth and spread your product
The Z06 and the ZR1 are where the Corvette needs to be. The base C8 is garbage.
I was equally pleased with my 2023 Anniversary Stingray (base C8) as I was with my 2024 Z06!
We need nicer chrome wheels!
The 2016 wheels were absolutely beautiful .
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