A Chevrolet supplier, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, is experiencing a strike by employees who are members of the UAW which is negotiating a new contract with that company. The strike may force General Motors to close production of its plant in Lordstown, Ohio where the Malibu is being made by mid-April. American Axle supplies a knuckle in the rear suspension of the Malibu as well as the Pontiac G6 sedan. The company also supplies brake parts.
About 3,650 UAW members who work for American Axle struck on February 26 and little or no progress has been made in negotiations. The strike has already forced GM to close down seven truck plants, one sedan assembly facility and 23 parts plants. Suppliers who are also influenced by the strike had to shut down several plants as well.