Getrag-Chrysler plant on hold

This doesn't bode well:

Construction of the $530 million Getrag-Chrysler project transmission plant in Tipton County has been suspended indefinitely, the Kokomo Tribune is reporting.

Work at the plant, a joint project between Chrysler and the German manufacturer, stopped on Dec. 21. Officials with the Walbridge-Aldinger Construction Co., the general contractors on the project, said it was a holiday break. Earlier this month they indicated work would resume next Monday, the newspaper reports.

“Until the parties can reach an agreement, we’re at a standstill right now,” said Randy Cyman, personnel director for Getrag, handling the Tipton development. “We’re in discussions with Chrysler right now. ... I’m confident the parties will come to the right decisions.”
The Getrag-Chrysler project is a venture that would build dual-clutch transmissions in Tipton, off Ind. 28 and U.S. 31. To date, site work for the plant includes a new road to the plant, a concrete foundation and portions of a frame for the main structure.

The plant is scheduled to be finished in 2009 and employ approximately 1,400 people: 1,170 at the plant and 230 in supporting jobs in Kokomo.

Officials with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. acknowledged the current situation between the two corporations.

“Our team has been in touch with Getrag and Chrysler. We all remain very optimistic that the project will continue as scheduled,” IEDC spokesman Mitch Frazier told the Tribune.