Machinists Urge Review of GE Plan to Close New Mexico Jet Engine Facility

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today called on General Electric to suspend plans to close its aircraft engine assembly plant in Albuquerque, NM, pending a full review of all options.

"A decision to close a high-end manufacturing facility that employs a skilled workforce of more than 400 employees deserves to be thoroughly reviewed by state and local officials, as well as workers' representatives," said Gary Allen, IAM Western Territory General Vice President. "There may very well be alternatives to closing the facility that GE has not considered."

A spokesperson for General Electric blamed the planned closure on a decline in demand for parts made at the facility, which has weathered economic ups and downs in the same location since it opened its doors nearly 40 years ago.

"General Electric and Albuquerque have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for decades and this city deserves better than to be abandoned with hardly an adios," said Allen. "We look forward to meeting with all stakeholders, including New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez to explore ways to keep this facility open and this relationship going."

The IAM is among the nation's largest industrial trade unions, representing nearly 700,000 active and retired members under more than 5,000 contracts in aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, shipbuilding and defense-related industries. For more information, visit www.goiam.org.

SOURCE International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers