General Motors has shifted its operations to its new facility in Talegaon, a month after its earlier intended deadline. The company first announced its decision to shut down the Halol facility and move to Talegaon way back in 2015. Although the operation was scheduled to come to a close in March 2017, the company extended the deadline by a month. According to spokespersons in the company, the extension in deadline has been due to GM’s efforts to ensure orderly transition of suppliers, employees and stakeholders.
The Halol facility began operation in 1996 with the production of Opel Cars. GM India President and Managing Director, Kaher Kazem said that a range of additional support measures have been put in place for employees who opted for the significantly enhanced separation payments and as well as those who opted for transfer. These support measures also include tax and financial advice and pre-transfer visits to Talegaon for the transferred employees. Reports indicate that of the total 650-odd workers, around 350 employees have been transferred to the Talegaon facility.
General Motors Talegaon facility has a production capacity of 160,000 units annually and the new generation Beat hatchback as well as the compact sedan, Essentia, will be produced here. Kazem further added, “GM India is very grateful for the continued support of the Government of Gujarat throughout our time manufacturing at Halol and through this period of transition. I would like to recognize all our employees for their dedication, professionalism and contributions over the many years of operation and also to our suppliers for their partnership and support.”
