After revamping its transmission production line, GM improved workflows, reduced changeover time, and cut costs.

DETROIT—A massive snowstorm forced many Ford, GM and FCA assembly plants in Michigan to cancel operations for part of Monday because many employees were unable get to work.

WINDSOR, ON—Unifor Local 195 workers have ratified a three-year contract with automotive supplier JD Norman Industries here. The new contract includes a $500 signing bonus and an hourly wage increase of 50 cents for the first two years and 70 cents in the final year.

LEONI AG Adds an Essential Twist to its Welding Method

DETROIT—The Aluminum Association has published a free, comprehensive manual that details the range of joining technologies for assembling aluminum parts in automotive applications.

DETROIT—The weak and volatile Russian ruble has forced General Motors to suspend production at its St. Petersburg, Russia, assembly plant from mid-March until mid-May.

WHITE PIGEON, MI—RV manufacturer Forest River Manufacturing will spend more than $7 million to build a new assembly plant here, creating 396 jobs.

ATHENS, TN—Automotive supplier Denso will invest $85 million to expand its fuel injector assembly plant here. The project will result in some 400 new jobs.

DETROIT—Military and commercial vehicle maker AM General LLC will start making Mercedes-Benz SUVs this summer under a new, multiyear contract with the German automaker. AM General will make the R-Class SUV at its commercial vehicle plant in Mishawaka, IN, for export to China.

OTTAWA—The Ontario government urged General Motors and Unifor Wednesday to “fast track” collective bargaining in a bid to end uncertainty over the future of the automaker’s Oshawa assembly plants and its 3,350 hourly employees.