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Ohio Sen.: Build Volvo plant in Buckeye state
David Shepardson/ Detroit News Washington Bureau
Washington- Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown isn't wasting any time trying to court an automaker considering building a plant in the United States.
Stefan Jacoby, the CEO of Volvo Car Corp., the Swedish company owned by Chinese-based Geely Holding Group, told reporters last week at the Frankfurt Auto Show, that the company is considering building an auto plant in the United States.
"We haven't made up our mind," Jacoby said, according to Bloomberg News.
When Jacoby was at the helm of Volkswagen of America, the company decided to build a new plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Brown sent a letter to Jacoby Wednesday urging him to consider Ohio.
"We know how to make things in Ohio — especially cars. Our manufacturing capabilities, our supply chain are second-to-none," Brown said.
"That's why if Volvo chooses to build a plant in America, it should break ground here in Ohio," Brown said. "Our state offers skilled workers, manufacturing know-how, hundreds of parts manufacturers, and a strong river-and-port and highway system. I stand ready to help bring Volvo to the Buckeye State."
Volvo was sold to the Chinese car company by Ford Motor Co. for $1.5 billion in 2010.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm unsuccessfully courted foreign automakers — including Toyota Motor Corp. — trying to convince them to build a plant in Michigan.
Several foreign automakers do have significant technical and engineering centers in southeast Michigan.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110921/AUTO01/109210398/Ohio-Sen.--Build-Volvo-plant-in-Buckeye-state#ixzz1Ygkd4yXb
