Chrysler to close minivan factory

Chrysler said Monday that it would indefinitely close one Missouri plant and cut production at another because of slumping demand for pickup trucks and minivans.

Executives said in a conference call that the automaker would shutter the St. Louis South plant, which makes minivans, effective Oct. 31. The St. Louis North plant, which makes full-size pickups, will be cut from two shifts to one effective Sept. 2.

Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler said the moves would affect 2,400 jobs. That includes 1,500 at the minivan plant and another 900 at the pickup truck plant, both of which are in Fenton, a St. Louis suburb.

Chrysler President and Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda said the company had no plans to reopen the minivan plant.