Kokomo, IN—Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly hailed the announcement from Chrysler Group LLC that it will invest $300 million in the company's existing transmission manufacturing facilities in Kokomo to produce a new, highly fuel-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission for future Chrysler Group vehicles.  The investment will fund the installation of equipment and special re-tooling to modernize Indiana Transmission Plant I, and will help retain around 1,200 jobs.

“I’m pleased that Chrysler will be making such a significant investment in the Kokomo economy,” said Donnelly. “Our Hoosier workforce is the best in the nation, and I know they will step up to the challenge of producing a new transmission.  Additionally, Chrysler’s focus on fuel-efficient transmissions ensures that our American car companies are building the cars of tomorrow.  I thank the company for recognizing the hardworking folks of Kokomo with this investment in their future.”

Congressman Donnelly has consistently advocated for the Kokomo workforce, and he supported the agreement to save Chrysler jobs in Kokomo in May 2009.

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