MILAN (AP) -- Italian carmaker Fiat SpA has signaled its readiness to invest €500 million in a plant near Turin after workers approved more flexible work rules.
Fiat said in a statement that it appreciates the "great sense of responsibility" demonstrated by workers who approved the terms of a new contract in a referendum.
Nearly 90 percent of the plant's 1,100 workers voted in favor of the terms after a holdout union softened its position.
Fiat said late Tuesday that it would make the investment once unions sign the agreement. Fiat plans to build Maseratis at the plant by the end of 2012.
Fiat has sought more flexible work rules as a condition for investments in its Italian plants. Fiat plans to invest €20 billion to double Italian production by 2014.
Fiat said in a statement that it appreciates the "great sense of responsibility" demonstrated by workers who approved the terms of a new contract in a referendum.
Nearly 90 percent of the plant's 1,100 workers voted in favor of the terms after a holdout union softened its position.
Fiat said late Tuesday that it would make the investment once unions sign the agreement. Fiat plans to build Maseratis at the plant by the end of 2012.
Fiat has sought more flexible work rules as a condition for investments in its Italian plants. Fiat plans to invest €20 billion to double Italian production by 2014.