SIA workers working overtime

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Things have been busy at Lafayette's Subaru plant. Things are so busy, employees are having to work overtime.

The line at SIA in Lafayette is moving faster than ever. In fact, the company just set an all-time record for the month of July. Sales are up 34% from this time last year.

"We're the only automaker selling vehicles in the United States whose sales are up on a year-to-date basis," says Tom Easterday, SIA Senior Vice President.

Easterday says several factors are playing big parts in keeping the carmaker's wheels rolling. Body style, fuel economy and all wheel drive are a few examples.

The federal government's "Cash for Clunkers" program has also helped keep things in line. Of the 21,000 vehicles that rolled off nationwide lots, 15% were part of the cars program.

"You can say about 3000 of these sales were attributable to Cash for Clunkers," says Easterday.

With the increased demand, comes a bump in supply. To make more cars, employees will work more hours. A decision Easterday says sits well with workers.

"With the overtime we're gonna be having a lot more money in people's pockets, that always helps morale," Easterday says. "And, on top of that, certainly going forward we'll have even more overtime if the market momentum continues."

It's expected to, since the "Cash for Clunkers" program got the green light through August. SIA employees are working one hour of overtime Monday through Thursday and a half hour of OT on Friday. There are also plans to work a couple of Saturdays in September, two more in October.