Closing Willow Run would affect some 1,300 workers. During World War II, the plant famously built the B-24 bomber that helped Allied forces. It is on a list of some 14 plants targeted to be closed or idled, with an end date for Willow Run of December 2010.

Dingell, a Dearborn Democrat who is the longest-ever serving member of the House, sent a letter to GM Chief Executive Fritz Henderson saying he was “troubled” to learn of the closing – especially in light of the fact that Ypsilanti Township has granted GM tax breaks for the facility and the company itself has invested $557 million to keep it making six-speed transmissions.

“The Willow Run plant produces GM’s six-speed transmission for $145 cheaper than any other comparable facility in the United States,” Dingell said. “Given this obvious competitive advantage, I would request further clarification by GM for the economic rationale behind the decision to shutter its Willow Run facility.”

Read this at the Detroit Free Press