GM Shreveport closing in 2012 (Monroe, Many: sales, real estate, movers)

[hdwell]

The bad news is here today. I'm not particularly surprised; even though they underwent a major renovation a few years ago, I knew that it wouldn't guarantee anything. The American Economy is rapidly changing, maybe a bit too fast for some.

I am beginning to believe that building anything over here in the states anymore days are numbered. The wages and benefits vs. the sales of new trucks was way off balance. Another blow for the local area and ultimately Louisiana. But I know we are in good company.

If this city, this state, only had more entreprenuers who could start and build successful businesses, we wouldn't be so concerned. But when you have a state government which is absolutely unfriendly to business in general (GM probably had a good deal so I'm not citing that one), it takes the wind out of their sails. Many many businesses have either relocated to Texas and Mississippi and elsewhere because they could not get a fair shake in La.

I know of two simple solutions to help La jumpstart business creation and building

1. Immediately get rid of the tax for new purchases of machinery and equipment. Those are investments which keep the business running and people employed.

2. Cut all the red tape out of the state government as in licenses, fees for this fees for that, grease my palm, etc. Create a business climate that will absolutely be irresistable to the business world.

Louisiana state government is bloated with too many departments and employees, owns too much real estate (cite purchase of Hodges Gardens) and builds too dang much that should be left in the hands of the private sector.

I am not blaming the state of Louisiana for GMs closure; rather the lack of vitality and strength of its economy. If we all want to keep hunting fishing and eating good gumbo, then we really need to make sure that the legislators vote for the pro business and pro education laws and that those that don't will be severely penalized ie. voted out of office!

[Rosinante]

That's wishful thinking inasmuch as the voters of this state can't see much beyond the ends of their noses. I should add that while Illinois is getting all the notice for state government corruption, that's just a temporary anomaly. I'm all for requiring a literacy test as well as a current events test in order for my neighbors and me to be qualified to vote in state elections. No doubt that would get the ACLU down here, though.

[MetroBTR]

Forgive me for not believing this plant will stay closed for long.

Either the chinese company acquiring the Hummer brand will decide to continue Hummer production there, or...
Some other automaker will get a hold of it for a bargain and equip the facility for production of one of their vehicles.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by MetroBTR

Forgive me for not believing this plant will stay closed for long.

Either the chinese company acquiring the Hummer brand will decide to continue Hummer production there, or...
Some other automaker will get a hold of it for a bargain and equip the facility for production of one of their vehicles.

Exactly. With all the problems "old GM" had for years, I'm thankful that the Shreveport plant hung on as long as it did.

[Innotech]

I wish they'd open a Ford plant down here. Like a Fusion or Focus one.

[MetroBTR]

Originally Posted by Innotech

I wish they'd open a Ford plant down here. Like a Fusion or Focus one.

It would be nice. Mark my words, something will end up there.

I don't like that this is blaming Louisiana for the closure when the writing has been on the wall for GM for years now. The vehicles they're making now are great, I own one myself, but it was too little too late. They lagged in the 80's and 90's and now it's caught up with them.

[hdwell]

Originally Posted by MetroBTR

It would be nice. Mark my words, something will end up there.

I don't like that this is blaming Louisiana for the closure when the writing has been on the wall for GM for years now. The vehicles they're making now are great, I own one myself, but it was too little too late. They lagged in the 80's and 90's and now it's caught up with them.

No, I'm not blaming the legislature for GM's closure. I'm just kind of batting around new ways to increase businesses besides chasing smokestacks. Maybe it is time we faced reality that there are plenty of movers and shakers in the state and that if we could clear up a few prohibitive laws, they would be able to do more. Certainly there are smart, industrious people in this state who would like to see La grow and prosper.

Hopefully something may happen positive out of this experience. We don't know yet. It is a stamping plant you know-the truck parts are made here.
Frightfully, I recall when the current line came out in 05' and I thought that trouble may be ahead. The Colorado and Canyon trucks were anything but a winner and pricey too. You could actually buy a full size truck for the same amount if not cheaper.


Don't get me wrong. I really do love Louisiana, but at the same time, I want to be objective about it.

[Innotech]

Originally Posted by hdwell

No, I'm not blaming the legislature for GM's closure. I'm just kind of batting around new ways to increase businesses besides chasing smokestacks. Maybe it is time we faced reality that there are plenty of movers and shakers in the state and that if we could clear up a few prohibitive laws, they would be able to do more. Certainly there are smart, industrious people in this state who would like to see La grow and prosper.

Hopefully something may happen positive out of this experience. We don't know yet. It is a stamping plant you know-the truck parts are made here.
Frightfully, I recall when the current line came out in 05' and I thought that trouble may be ahead. The Colorado and Canyon trucks were anything but a winner and pricey too. You could actually buy a full size truck for the same amount if not cheaper.


Don't get me wrong. I really do love Louisiana, but at the same time, I want to be objective about it.

I have a 2002 S10 that is beginnig to be a nuisance, but Im sure as hell not replacing it with a Colorado. I cant stand the looks or packaging of that truck at all. GM really messed up when they replaced the S10.

[hdwell]

Originally Posted by Innotech

I have a 2002 S10 that is beginnig to be a nuisance, but Im sure as hell not replacing it with a Colorado. I cant stand the looks or packaging of that truck at all. GM really messed up when they replaced the S10.

You are absolutely correct. I was just dumbfounded. Even my neighbor who works at the plant thought they were overpriced. I must admit I really like those old S10s like pre 94. They just seemed sturdier.

[LSU Tiger Z71]

It won't stay closed for long!

Shreveport will be OK. If the Haynesville Shale picks up in the next 5 years as well as some Military work, it will be fine. Also, the V Vehicle plant in Monroe can pick up some of the losses.