ADELAIDE, Australia, May 22 (UPI) -- Nearly 700 workers at Mitsubishi Motors Australia's engine plant in Adelaide were told this week the factory would be closed.
But, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Chief Executive Tom Phillips and South Australian Premier Mike Rann greeted the announcement with relief after fearing a second factory with 2,700 workers would also be closed, the Australian reported Saturday.
Phillips, who flew to Tokyo earlier this week with South Australian officials in a last-ditch attempt to keep both factories open, said the closure of the second factory at Tonsley Park in Adelaide had been considered.
"They were then looking at what they needed to do to give them their best return. I can't tell you how close it was, but I can probably guarantee that it was certainly considered."
Rann said he feared both factories were doomed.
"Certainly, three weeks ago, just before Anzac Day, I feared the worst," he said.
