Pritzker calls on Stellantis to honor Belvidere commitments

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. Pritzker on Friday issued a statement calling on automaker Stellantis to honor its commitments to restarting the Belvidere Assembly Plant.

“For over two years, the State of Illinois has offered its complete and full support so that the Stellantis plant in Belvidere can reopen as soon as possible and put our people back to work after Stellantis management chose to shut it down. Working families’ lives have been turned upside down and they deserve peace of mind.

“Throughout labor negotiations, I maintained contact with auto workers, Stellantis executives, and UAW representatives to offer unprecedented state support for an agreement that would result in thousands of good, union jobs and billions in private investment. ​

“Our Illinois workforce is second to none, and Stellantis knows it. With significant work and support from the state of Illinois, a historic national contract was signed that will restart the Belvidere plant. It is good for workers, good for the company, and good for Illinois. ​ Ensuring auto workers get back to work with higher wages, good benefits, and valuable opportunities in a growth industry remains one of my highest priorities. That’s why I call on Stellantis to live up to the commitments it made a year ago to Illinois workers. There is every opportunity to begin the restart at Belvidere, and there is no time to waste,” the statement read.

Stellantis has confirmed it has delayed the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant, saying market conditions were the reason for the delay, adding that “to ensure the company’s future competitiveness and sustainability, which are necessary to preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs, it is critical that the business case for all investments is aligned with market conditions and our ability to accommodate a wide range of consumer demands. Therefore, the company confirms it has notified the UAW that plans for Belvidere will be delayed, but firmly stands by its commitment.”

The company said late Thursday that CEO Carlos Tavares will step down in early 2026.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant was idled in February 2023.

In October 2023, Stellantis agreed to build a $3.2 billion battery plant in Belvidere and invest $1.5 billion to retool the factory for an all-new mid-sized truck.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced a $334.8 million investment to convert Stellantis’ Belvidere Assembly Plant to build electric vehicles and components.

Stellantis said it stands by its contractual commitments and “strongly objects” to union allegations that it’s violating terms of the contract.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.