Christmas Tree Atop New FCA Plant Marks More Than Just the Holidays

December 13, 2019 , Detroit -  FCA today raised a Christmas tree to “top off” the new paint shop being built as part of a $1.6 billion investment to construct a new assembly plant on Detroit’s eastside.
 
While most recognize the evergreen tree as a classic symbol of the holiday season, for the ironworkers who spent the past four months assembling 6,500 tons of structural steel, it means something very different.
 
A long-standing tradition, the raising of a Christmas tree – or construction tree, as it is also known – marks the placement of the highest beam or structural element of a building. It also symbolizes that the construction milestone was reached safely, without serious injury.
 
“In ancient times, the tree was an announcement to the community to come and celebrate the completion of the new building, a tradition that is continued today,” said Joseph Panyard, FCA Project Manager for the new Detroit paint shop. “The last piece of steel for our project was painted white and signed by all of the ironworkers who have worked tirelessly on this project.”
 
In February, FCA announced the investment to build the first new assembly plant in Detroit in nearly 30 years, bringing 3,850 new jobs to the city. The new plant will produce the next-generation Jeep_® Grand Cherokee and all-new, three-row, full-size Jeep SUV, along with their electrified models.
 
About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA is an international automotive group listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

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