US: Chrysler plans to invest $1.7b for Ohio assembly plant, add 1100 jobs to build new SUV

Associated Press (Toledo, US) - Chrysler says it will add 1,100 jobs at an Ohio assembly complex as part of a $1.7 billion investment to build a new Jeep sport utility vehicle.

The automaker said Wednesday that includes $500 million to expand its Toledo assembly plant and add a body shop. State and local officials signed off on incentives for the project.

Chrysler Group LLC sought millions to enlarge the plant where it makes the Jeep Liberty and Wrangler and the Dodge Nitro. It plans to add the new shift by late 2013.

The plant currently has about 1,800 employees. Workers there hope this will be the first of several new job announcements.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and Ohio Gov. John Kasich were expected at the formal announcement Wednesday.