GM idled 8,000 workers in Arlington, three other factories in response to Arctic blast
Toyota, Ford, Nissan also temporarily suspended production because of the weather.
GM's Arlington Assembly plant is crucial for the company. It employs about 1,650 workers per shift and runs three shifts producing the automaker's highly profitable big SUVs.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
By Tribune News Service
General Motors canceled shifts at four of its biggest U.S. factories Monday, including its highly profitable full-size SUV plant in Arlington and its midsize pickup plant in Missouri.
A severe winter storm delivered arctic temperatures, snow and ice accumulation that hindeed operations, created dangerous driving conditions for workers and impeded parts delivery to plants.