Uncertain Future for GM’s Spring Hill Factory, Corker Says

It’s been more than two years since GM announced it would idle car production at its factory in Spring Hill. Tennessee Senator Bob Corker said yesterday he’s not certain what to expect for the plant going forward.

Corker was taking questions from constituents at a luncheon in Murfreesboro when someone asked what he sees as the future of Spring Hill. The senator took a long pause before saying “I don’t know.”

Corker pointed out GM’s biggest opportunities are in places like China, where markets have grown drastically in recent years. And he says he’s worked closely alongside Governor Bill Haslam to recruit business, and the two will continue to champion Spring Hill. But things look discouraging, Corker says, because GM has taken equipment out of the factory.

“Obviously we’d love to see GM expand here, or somebody acquire the plant that will, but when they start taking the equipment out it makes you not feel so good about it.”

An official with GM says that equipment was specific to the Chevy Traverse, the vehicle that was halted in Spring Hill. More than a thousand workers there are still making engines, and GM says the car plant remains on standby.