http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/119814-2111-105.html (http://http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/119814-2111-105.html)

In case my link doesn't work:

Lafayette Subaru plant to get boost

Associated Press
February 11, 2004


LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Tippecanoe County Council approved a tax policy change intended to help Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. invest $165 million for new equipment at its Lafayette plant.

The council voted to allow Subaru to apply tax abatements to the machinery. Subaru plans to buy equipment over the next two years to produce a new turbocharged engine, 2005 Legacy and Outback models, and a new seven-passenger vehicle.

In a brief discussion before Tuesday's vote, the council did not question Subaru about layoffs scheduled this year when Isuzu production at the site halts after 13 years. Employee retention is often a factor during reviews of tax abatements.

Subaru said last week it will produce its last vehicle for Isuzu Motors Ltd., a former partner at the plant, in July.

Officials were uncertain how the change would affect jobs at the plant, which employs 2,563 people. Subaru has recalled more than 150 workers during the last eight months to work on the 2005 Subaru Legacy line, and projects its Lafayette staff at the end of the year will be about 2,300.

Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan, Subaru's parent company, became sole owner of the $1.1 billion Lafayette plant in January 2003 after slumping sales forced Isuzu to sell its 49 percent stake in the plant. Subaru continued building vehicles for Isuzu under contract.

On Tuesday, Councilman Jeff Kessler commended Subaru for the quality of its employee salaries and health benefits, noting its lowest salary is $22.48 an hour.

"In this particularly difficult time, you are doing what you can to recover jobs from the Isuzu side and retain jobs from the Subaru side," Kessler said.


I do find the part about a "new turbo-charged engine" interesting, especially given the 7-seater mentioned in almost the same breath. Could we see a Turbo H6 in production afterall?

Don't you think they mean the 2.5t for the Legacy and Outback?

Yeah, I guess that's it. I guess I'm already thinking of the 2.5T's used in the '05's as "old news"...:o

Originally posted by HB_Dad
I do find the part about a "new turbo-charged engine" interesting, especially given the 7-seater mentioned in almost the same breath. Could we see a Turbo H6 in production afterall?
I believe they're referring to the EJ25T in the Legacy 2.5GT and Outback 2.5XT since they'll be produced in the Indiana plant for the first time. If that's the case, up to this point, all EJ25T's came from Japan. Unless they plan on importing them for installation in the 05 Legacy's, they'll start building them here.

Of course, that doesn't mean they can't throw an H6T onto the line at a later date. :D

ag
driven by guts inside!

I concur that it's the EJ255/7 they're talking about. In the 2003 annual report, the CEO mentioned that they'd be taking measures to reduce the impact of fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate, and manufacturing more NA parts locally is an obvious step in that direction.

Wow, $22 an hour... I'd sweep the floors for that :p

You took the words out of my mouth. Not a bad chunk of change, I guess. :lol:

Yes they are just talking about the 2.5 turbo. And as far as pushing brooms, lol thats what allot of them are doing.

Originally posted by Kostamojen
Wow, $22 an hour... I'd sweep the floors for that :p

dang, and that's the LOWEST wage... incl. janitors?

no just the production associates

Originally posted by icobob
no just the production associates
AKA cogs in the line.

Whats the higher level pay, such as for production line people who are more experienced?
Any of them making $30 or $40 per hour?
$30 per hour equates to roughly $60K per year.
$40 per hour equates to roughly $80K per year.

upper mang. would make that but of course they are salary. See they say the lowest people make that money, well since Isuzu isnt doing so well and they have had layoffs the lowest senority people that they have there has been there for 7.5 years. Also I think everyone will really like the new Subies, they are sweet. They are really upscalled comp. to the last model. I have saw the 7 pass. under a tarp that they move around the plant underwrapss between shifts and the shape looks like some of these I have seen on this site.

Originally posted by icobob
upper mang. would make that but of course they are salary. See they say the lowest people make that money, well since Isuzu isnt doing so well and they have had layoffs the lowest senority people that they have there has been there for 7.5 years. Also I think everyone will really like the new Subies, they are sweet. They are really upscalled comp. to the last model. I have saw the 7 pass. under a tarp that they move around the plant underwrapss between shifts and the shape looks like some of these I have seen on this site.
icobob = the new nasioc inside man :D

(but dont get fired for saying too much!!! :eek: )

Hmmmm, an American built car... wonder if the quality will drop.

The Legacys built there have been very reliable. I have a 95 from that plant that has been virtually bulletproof. Japanese-brand auto plants in the US often achieve high quality standards. The management and methods make more difference than where the plant is.

Originally posted by gumball
dang, and that's the LOWEST wage... incl. janitors?

LOL I thought about this when I was jumping in the shower.. LOL No joke!

Hmm Maybe it's time to call over to SOA :lol:

ya i kind of started thinking about that. I dont think i have said anything that is not already known but i think i might start keeping quiet.

man you guys got me kind of freaked out about this getting fired thing. Do you guys think i have said to much. I mean i would ever say anything that wasnt already on the net.

you work for SOA? :banana: :disco: :D

Originally posted by StevieD
Hmmmm, an American built car... wonder if the quality will drop.

Don't the engines still come from Japan?

Originally posted by icobob
man you guys got me kind of freaked out about this getting fired thing. Do you guys think i have said to much. I mean i would ever say anything that wasnt already on the net.
No not really. You said you saw the 7 seater under wraps... That means like, nothing.

thats kind of the way i see it to. No i dont work for soa. And some of the motors come from japan.

Originally posted by icobob
No i dont work for soa.How about SIA? :)

yup

What the heck does SIA stand for again:confused:

Finally at least someone that works for Subaru comes here.

I think Jon meant subaru IN america :p

Originally posted by icobob
man you guys got me kind of freaked out about this getting fired thing. Do you guys think i have said to much. I mean i would ever say anything that wasnt already on the net.

i wouldnt worry about it at all. you havent posted any specs/pics or anything that would be deemed 'proprietary' (probably speld wrong)

at least your information is cool. i cant tell you top secret things about happy meal toys :huh: :p

Originally posted by Kostamojen
I think Jon meant subaru IN america :p Not exactly. SIA once stood for Subaru Isuzu Automotive, when it was a joint venture between Subaru and Isuzu. After FHI acquired complete ownership, SIA now means Subaru Indiana Automotive. SIA was never a part of SOA. Instead, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FHI.