Kaiser-Willys Plan a Merger

Toledo,Ohio, Edward Kaiser, president of Kaiser Motors Corp. and Willys Motors plans to consolidate all motor vehicle operations of the two firms in Toledo within the next six months and increase output of civilian jeeps and trucks. Kaiser called a press conference Monday night to "Clear the air" about the plans for Willys, a subsidiary of Kaiser Motors. He said cooperation by the Kaiser Willys unit of Local 12, CIO United Auto Workers, as the largest single factor contributing to the decision. He said three and a half million dollars worth of equipment will be transferred here from Kaiser's Detroit engine division, along with casting work now done by the Wilson Foundry Division in Pontiac, Mich. Body Stamping work will be moved here from Shadyside, Ohio with the Shadyside plant continuing to handle outside stamping jobs. Willys currently employs about 7,500 persons here. There was no estimate of the number of workers which would be added under the concentration plan.