Production of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks at the General Motors plant in Wentzville is providing an economic boost not just in the eastern Missouri town but throughout the region.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that since GM began producing the midsize pickups this fall, about 10 automotive suppliers in Missouri have begun to supply glass, wheels and acoustic and battery components. That is resulting in more jobs and more security for the suppliers.
The biggest benefit has been in Wentzville, about 40 miles west of St. Louis. When the GM plant begins running three shifts next year, total employment will reach 3,350.
The jobs are a big turnaround for the region's automotive industry, after closings of the Ford plant in Hazelwood, and Chrysler plants in Fenton, all in recent years.