By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Mitsubishi Motors has issued a statement confirming it is ending production at its plant in Normal and is seeking a buyer.

In a statement released to the media Friday morning, the company said “It is necessary to end production and seek a strategic buyer for the plant.” Company officials shared the news with employees early Friday.

The statement continues that the Mitsubishi Motors Board will make a formal decision in the near future and the company’s main focus now is to identify a buyer that would continue to operate and maintain employment, which it said is the best potential outcome for its employees and the community.

“Our intent to work in partnership with the UAW and civic leaders over the coming months to achieve a successful result,” according to the statement.

There have been reports for weeks that Mitsubishi was looking to shift its production more toward the Asian markets.

The plant had nearly 1,300 workers last year, making it the sixth largest employer in Bloomington-Normal, according to the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council.

Mitsubuishi scaled back production in Normal in 2004 when its second shift was eliminated and its workforce was cut in half. Mitsubishi has been producing cars there since 1988.

WJBC will update this story.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Story via WJBC.com