Press release from the City from this past Tuesday:
Mayor Henry’s statement on recent news from Navistar
Statement of Mayor Tom Henry on recent news from Navistar
(August 17, 2010) – Thank you all for coming on such short notice, but the issue is one of the highest importance to our community.
This afternoon I spoke with an official from Navistar about the future of the company and its exceptional employees here in our community.
I can tell you three things:
- Navistar is initiating a planned phase down of operations over the next 24 to 36 months to create an integrated, product development function for the company. No further details were offered;
- We talked at length about the possibilities with the test track here and Navistar’s need for this resource. We believe there are opportunities and we will pursue them aggressively; and
- Navistar CEO Daniel Ustian has accepted the invitation to meet with Mark Williams of Strategic Development Group, the national site selector engaged by the Alliance and the City of Fort Wayne, to discuss the company’s future in our community and possibilities for future options here.
I have been in regular contact with Governor Daniels’ office and the Governor supports Fort Wayne’s efforts 100%.
Even with this news, and we understand Navistar’s desire to remain competitive, we believe strongly that there are options here in Fort Wayne that will add real value to Navistar’s success.
As we have said consistently, we believe there is no better place than Fort Wayne for good jobs to grow and companies to prosper. We remain confident that there are no better employees than the talented and ready workforce we have right here. And even faced with the unknown as we are today, we know there is no more welcoming community that the one you will find in Fort Wayne.
This is what we can share with you today, but I anticipate additional announcements tomorrow as we continue our fight for good jobs and business investment in our community.
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