Consolidated Press News File
May 15, 2021
BELVIDERE, IL — As automakers continue to be troubled by a global shortage of semiconductors, 1,600 jobs are being cut at a Jeep Cherokee factory in Belvidere Illinois.
Stellantis, formerly known as Fiat Chrysler, announced on Friday that one of the two work shifts at its Belvidere Assembly Plant would be eliminated as of July 26. The Belvidere plant has been closed since late March, with Stellantis constantly delaying its reopening, which is now scheduled to take place later this month at the earliest.
The recent chip shortage, which was triggered by semiconductor makers moving their factories to more lucrative consumer-electronics processors has forced the closure of a number of other auto plants, including those operated by General Motors and Ford Motor Company in recent months.
The Chicago Times 