General Motors Shutting the Engine on Delaware Plant

The ax fell for the final time at GM's Boxwood Assembly Plant Monday. The Newport, Delaware car production plant has become a victim of the world's second-largest automaker's bankruptcy filing.

The 62-year old facility was one of 11 plants that will close due to the economic concerns.

The Wilmington-area plant will close in July, GM confirmed Monday. Boxwood produces the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Vue -- cars from two of the four brands GM will be shucking as part of the government-assisted restructuring.

"It's a done deal, man, it's over," worker John Payne told NBC10's John Blunt. "This Friday's our last day."

The automaker's decision to file for bankruptcy will affect more than 1,000 people. About 550 employees will lose their jobs outright and another 515 hourly workers who were already let go but had hoped to return, according to Delaware Online.

Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware's most famous resident, passed along his condolences on the closing.

"Whether it’s a family member, neighbor or friend -- we all know someone who is personally affected by GM’s decision today to close the doors of the [Boxwood Road Assembly] plant," Vice President Joe Biden said. "Jill and I send out our thoughts and prayers to all the workers and their families."

Some people believe that GM went about closing the plant the wrong way, John Joswick, a retired GM employee said.

“We’re supposed to be one of the highest quality plants in the country. I was hoping the guys would be put on idle until they got another car in there,” said Joswick.

Former employees were told that they can apply for a transfer, but now that seems unlikely while retirees were told that their retirement benefits are secure, Joswick said to Delaware Online.

General Motors is looking to revitalize the once powerful company, shedding old debts and brands and looking towards building the next-generation of popular, fuel-efficient vehicles.

The courts will forgive most of GM's debt and the government will provide an influx of more than $30 billion cash. The carmaker will also retire four brands -- Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab -- and focus efforts on Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC.

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