Timeline Uncertain for Belvidere Stellantis Plant Reopening

BELVIDERE — A timeline for reopening the Stellantis assembly plant in Belvidere remains unclear following an update Monday from UAW Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen. He said UAW Vice President Rich Boyer is working with the company to determine when production could begin after meeting with company and union representatives. Union leaders also learned that $10 million has been approved for equipment health assessments and replacement of two electrical substations at the plant. Frantzen previously warned of a possible seven month delay that could push production to June 2028. The latest update did not confirm any change to the expected schedule. Stellantis announced in October 2025 plans to reopen the facility as part of a $13 billion expansion in the United States. The plan called for production of the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Compass and about 3,300 jobs.