Posted: 3:45 PM Apr 12, 2012
Reporter: Hannah Saunders

Hundreds of New Mid-Michigan Workers in Training to Build Cadillac ATS

The highly anticipated Cadillac ATS points to a bright year for General Motors and Mid-Michigan.

"We've been kind of on the down-turn of things, and to be able to start hiring people again, that's great," Said GM Supervisor James Caplis. "That's great for the area, great for the company, and it's great for the individuals who actually get hired."

Candace Kardine worked alongside her husband in the automotive industry for 25 years. They were both laid off a couple years ago and were forced to work several odd-and-ends jobs to support their six kids.

"It was horrible. We lost our health care, didn't know what to expect, my husband still hasn't found a regular full-time job," said Kardine.

With a call inviting her to training, the whole family has hope again: "It's just amazing the lengths they go to make sure you work safely and you have a quality vehicle," she continued.

"Some of them are coming from jobs that pay $7 or $8 an hour. They're gonna basically double their rate of pay," Caplis explained.

Kardine and her new co-workers will train at the Delta Township Plant with an assembly line simulator.

Once they get the hang of things, they will be moved to the Grand River Plant in Lansing where their hands will build the Cadillac ATS's which will be shipped all over the world.

Production of the car is expected to begin in the late summer.

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