The Chevy Colorado has breathed new life into the Wentzville plant.
"I would say this is the brightest time in GM Wentzville history," said plant manager, Nancy Laubenthal.
A far cry from a tumultuous 2009, when General Motors filed bankruptcy. Hundreds of workers were laid off at the Wentzville facility. The plant was idled weeks at a time. A GM spokesperson says less than a thousand hourly workers remained and the plant was down to one shift.
Then came word that this plant, that builds full size vans, was also going to start making trucks: The GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado. A half of a billion dollars was invested into the facility for upgrades.
Now that this truck has been honored as the 2015 Motor Trend "Truck of the Year" the demand is great. GM says it's been the fastest selling truck in the industry for three months in a row.
"We did expect success. Maybe we are having a little more success than we initially thought, but that's okay with us," said Rick Murphy, productions launch operations manager.
To the workers, success in sales means jobs. 3,600 people are now employed here. A third shift had to be added to keep up with orders. And, winning the Motor Trend trophy has raised the morale in the plant.
"It's a sense of pride. It makes you say, 'Yes, I work at General Motors," said Belinda Glascoff, plant employee.
