GM is gearing up for production of it's latest remodel of the Chevy Cruze on its assembly lines.


It's the next chapter for Lordstown automakers, who know success with their most popular product is their livelihood.


“
The hard work and dedication, the days of going in that plant six, seven days a week, building a quality product, has paid off,” Robert Morales said, UAW Local 1714 president.


Lordstown will run three shifts to build the ramped model. The men and women inside the plant played a first-hand role in making the Cruze a success.


“
It's going to be the team members that are going to be the intrical part of what goes on with the product,” Glenn Johnson said, UAW Local 1112 president. “They get to shoot the screws, put the interior in, paint, make it the fantastic vehicle it is.”


Designing the 2016 model meant making multiple trips to the valley plants, where GM engineers worked with Lordstown team members to rebuild the compact car on a new assembly line. Lordstown team members also worked with GM during the design process in Germany.


In 2014, the automaker invested $50 million into the Lordstown plant to build a new flexible Trim Shop.
GM engineers say laser cutting technology is a part of the advanced assembly line processes that has made the final product look seamless.


Plants in Mexico and China will also manufacture the new compact car. Mexico's trade agreements with the U.S. and South America make the country a strong partner in the building process.


“
Mexico will continue to grow as a place for automakers building new cars and trucks, but production in the U.S., the production at Lordstown and in Ohio, that's not going anywhere,” Phil LeBeau said, CNBC auto industry reporter and analyst.


GM wants to see the 2016 Cruze sales surpass the levels seen with prior models. LeBeau says it's too soon to speculate if that's a goal the automaker can achieve. Sales of small cars have slowed as American drivers continue to migrate to crossovers and SUVs.


Local workers are hopeful their hardwork will bring the next wave of success to the Chevy brand.