General Motors’ 21-year-old journey in Gujarat ended on Friday when its Indian arm shut its Halol plant.
The company termed it as a key milestone in the consolidation of manufacturing in India as all GM manufacturing will take place at the Talegaon facility in Maharashtra.
“We are mindful of the impact on our employees at Halol. We have committed to support them through this necessary transition with generous separation payments or the option of continuity of employment at Talegaon,” said GM India President and MD Kaher Kazem .
GM had announced in July 2015 that it would close the facility in Halol but waited till April 28 to ensure smooth and orderly transition for its workers, suppliers and stakeholders. About 625 of the 1,000-odd workers continued to agitate against the compensation package and transfer offers. Nearly 50 had accepted the financial package of up to ₹10 lakh while over 350 had opted for a transfer to Talegaon last October.
On Friday, the management gave workers another opportunity. “Workers have been given a month’s time to make their choice of transfer to Talegaon. This will happen at an increased wage,” said Kamlesh Chauhan, a shopfloor worker. “About 400 may accept the transfer.”
A detailed query to the company remained unanswered.
GM had suspended Cruze (sedan) production at Halol some time ago, and rolled out the last unit of the Tavera (utility vehicle) on Friday at the end of the second shift, at 4 pm.