A little good news from Trenton Engine

While other plants may be shut down for a time, Trenton Engine appears to be returning to active duty this month after overproducing and being shut down.

Now, unofficial word from the plant is that Trenton is going back to work this week, will start making Grand Cherokee engines again in mid-month, and may start making Pacifica engines after that.

Much of an engine plant’s production depends on car sales; if an assembly plant shuts down because of slow sales or overproduction, the engine plant will feel it next.

Trenton has not yet held a strike vote due to Stellantis’ possible violation of 2023 contract agreements, partly because Stellantis has sued the UAW and a number of locals for holding strike votes (none have actually gone on strike). Trenton has withdrawn its grievances pending the UAW’s meetings with Stellantis and presumably court rulings.

Trenton Engine was one of Chrysler’s first consolidated engine plants, a key part of the 1950s move from making engines at the assembly plants. Their first engines were Hemi V8s, but over time they have made everything from four-cylinders to B-type V8s. Today the plant is dedicated to Pentastar V6 engines, which are used in the Ram 1500, ProMaster, Pacifica, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee. See many Trenton Engine photos at Motales.