GM Powertrain in Tonawanda recalls some workers

By Eileen Buckley

Tonawanda, NY – A small batch of laid off local auto workers will be returning to work. A total of 42 employees have been called back to their jobs at the Powertrain Plant in Tonawanda.

Powertrain communications manger Mary Ann Brown tells WBFO News they've called back 30-skilled trades and and 12-production auto workers to begin work on a new engine line.

"One of the employees I spoke with has been laid off since November of 2008, after 20 months he is very thrilled to be coming back to work," said Brown.

The skilled trades employees will be part of the project crew that will tear out the old engine lines to get ready for the new V8 engine to be built at the Tonawanda facility. General Motros announced in April that it was investing $825-million into the local facility. GM is hoping this will provide long-term viability for the
plant.

Still 159 workers remain on layoffs from the Tonawanda facility. But Brown says there are plans for their return at some point

"When we get our new product lines now, the first one isn't until the end of next, they will all be called back," said Brown.

Currently the Tonawanda plant employs 1,009 workers. The newly recalled employees will begin two-weeks of safety training before they work on the new product.