By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – General Motors says it will cut jobs and close a parts distribution center in Hazelwood as part of a national plan to cut costs and reduce production.
GM said some of the 65 workers in Hazelwood will be rehired at a new and smaller distribution center the company plans to open next year in the St. Louis area.
"But at least the facility is staying there at the present time," said Hazelwood's Mayor, T.R. Carr, on Monday. "And we continue to wait and see how the full impact of GMs announcement is going to play out on the distribution network across the country."
The cuts in Hazelwood are part of GMs nationwide plan to cut 30,000 jobs and close nine North American assembly plants by 2008.
The plan does not affect the van plant in Wentzville, which is not a huge surprise because GM committed $30 million to upgrade the plant just four months ago.