GM's Norton parts center won't close for 14 months

General Motors Corp. will delay the closing of a parts distribution center in Norton that it had planned to shutter by the end of the year, temporarily saving about 70 jobs, according to US Congressman Barney Frank's office.

The Norton warehouse, which supplies parts to dealers, will now stay open "for at least 14 months," Frank's office said in a statement. The delay came about following a talk between GM chief executive Fritz Henderson and Frank, in which Frank urged Henderson to re-evaluate the center's value to GM and also stressed that the loss of jobs would hurt already struggling Massachusetts families.

"Keeping the facility open for this extra time gives workers the chance to look at other opportunities while at the same time continuing to provide for their families," Frank said. "I am hopeful that the economy will improve over the next year, and will provide better prospects for GM and its employees."
(By Erin Ailworth, Globe staff)