Chrysler to Boost Production at Illinois Auto Factory

May 10, 2006 11:00 AM, EDT

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hrysler said Wednesday that it planned to add a third shift at an automobile plant in Illinois and add up to 1,000 workers there.

The DaimlerChrysler unit said it will build the Dodge Caliber car and will be starting production of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot sport utility vehicles at the plant, in Belvidere, Ill.

Auto factories provide work for truckers moving parts to and from plants.

Chrysler’s move comes as General Motors and Ford are making cutbacks in North American production in an effort to improve profits.

Chrysler is the No. 3 U.S. automaker behind No. 1 GM and No. 2 Ford.