Chrysler significant step closer to new Michigan engine plant

Chrysler is one step closer to a new state-of-the-art plant. Employees at its Trenton Engine Plant in Michigan overwhelmingly approved provisions over the weekend that will help the automaker make a case for a new "Phoenix" V6 engine plant at the same location.

Estimated to cost $800 million, the factory could be up and running on all six-cylinders by 2011, provided DaimlerChrysler officials are able to score the necessary state and local government incentives (read: tax breaks).

The Trenton workers voted to approve new hourly provisions that shortens the work week to four 10-hour days, simplifies job classifications to two types and curbs overtime. The facility is to be built along side the existing plant, and will employ 600 workers. The older plant that keeps 1,200 in paychecks is slated to go dark by 2015.

[Sources: The Detroit News; Chrysler]