Governor Matt Blunt has met with automobile industry executives in Detroit to convince them Missouri wants to hold onto the auto industry jobs it now has and even add more in the future. The Governor describes his talks with General Motors and Ford officials as positive, but he acknowledges he is not bringing home any firm promises or commitments. What Blunt can take from the meetings is word that auto industry executives are happy with the pro-business legislative changes that have been made – particularly workers’ compensation reform and litigation reform. The Governor received good news on the Ford Claycomo plant near Kansas City, with officials saying they’re pleased with production at that facility. He remains concerned about the Ford plant in Hazelwood near St. Louis, which has been slated for closing in the past.
