Janesville GM plant produces its last SUV

The last SUV produced by the General Motors plant in Janesville rolled off the production line early this morning. A skeleton crew of workers will continue working on a light-truck project done in conjunction with Isuzu.

The plant’s closure was first announced by GM in June, when Gov. Jim Doyle reacted to the announcement by comparing it to a “death in the family” as he pledged state assistance.

Then in December, business, labor and civic leaders said they had received positive feedback from GM leaders on their proposal to keep the plant open. But they declined to detail any specifics of the plan presented to GM, which was crafted by a broad-based coalition that included business leaders, plus state and local officials and the UAW. First, they said, GM would have to survive the current economic downturn before looking at any future plans.

Read below for news coverage of the closing and links to past WisBusiness coverage:

HEADLINES
Running on empty: Workers face future with few benefits

How long until GM disassembles plant?

Through the years: Chronicling the history of GM in Janesville

Reports from the GM plant

Journalists venture into cold to document day

GM’s impact felt throughout Janesville

Janesville workers punch out

Last SUV Completed At Shuttering Janesville GM Plant

Family’s Three Generations Reflect On GM’s Closing

GM Plant Shutdown Means Job Losses For Suppliers

Local Colleges Ready To Welcome GM Employees

See past coverage from WisBusiness.com and the TV show “UpFront with Mike Gousha”

– Dec. 11, 2008: Janesville leaders still see potential future for GM plant

– June 8, 2008: “UpFront” – Exploring the lessons of Kenosha for the future of Janesville

– June 4, 2008: Janesville deals with fallout from GM plant closure

– June 3, 2008: Officials plan pushback in response to GM plant closing

– June 3, 2008: Union members react to GM shutdown plans

– June 3, 2008: Listen to audio of a press conference with the UAW and Gov. Jim Doyle

– June 3, 2008: State politicians react to GM news

– June 3, 2008: Video: WisPolitics/WisBusiness Economic Forum gauges GM decison

– May 4, 2008: “UpFront” – Interviews with Janesville City Manager Steve Sheiffer and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan

– Dec. 7, 2005: Kanavas interview: “The future of Wisconsin is not going to be in keeping GM in Janesville”

– Jan. 28, 2004: Press release: Governor Joins with General Motors to Announce $175 Million Investment in Janesville Assembly Plant