Some Kenosha Chrysler workers will return next week to their jobs before full production returns on a limited basis to the engine plant later this month, union officials said Wednesday night.

Glenn Stark, president of United Auto Workers Local 72, said about 100 people, including team leaders, select machining employees, engineers, office and clerical and maintenance crews, will start next week.

Beginning June 29, three shifts will return to work on 2.7- and 3.5-liter engines, with one shift on the former and two shifts on the latter, according to Stark.

A shift on the smaller engine will include 200 people, while 590 workers will work on two shifts on the larger engine. Stark said it is possible the Kenosha plant will also be employing up to 140 workers from a plant in Belvidere, Ill., where layoffs occurred.

The news comes as Chrysler Group LLC company officials announced plans to re-open seven assembly plants after closing all factories since May 4 to file for bankruptcy protection in late April.

Some parts stamping, engine and transmission factories that supply the assembly plants also were told they would re-open, including Kenosha, which manufactures engines.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl’s office said Kohl, Sen. Russ Feingold and Reps. Paul Ryan of Janesville and Gwen Moore of Milwaukee plan to meet with Chrysler Group LLC Deputy CEO Jim Press at Kohl’s office in Washington this afternoon.

The Kenosha plant has been targeted for closing by next year, a move that could mark the end to 800 jobs and an era of auto making in the city. Stark said, however, he and others are trying to stay optimistic as the officials of Fiat, which now controls Chrysler, have visited the plant and have been discussing the training under a new system, called “World Class Manufacturing.”

Stark said Fiat representatives were at the engine plant last week to meet with union representatives. On Wednesday, workers also met with union representatives with questions about the new system, among other things.

He said the tone of the meeting was good, and workers are trying to stay positive.

“It’s different than what we’ve done in the past. Basically, we’re in an audition for Fiat right now until the next shut down,” he said. Plants will close again July 13-20, as part of the normal non-paid “summer shut down,” according to the current contract.

Fiat has until July 31 “to decide to repurchase us and bring us into it,” Stark said.

“We know that if something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen quick,” he said. “They haven’t really come out and said one way or the other what they’re going to do. But they’re still asking questions, and as long as they’re inquisitive, the interest is still there. They don’t call, then I get worried. But in my mind (them still calling us), that’s a good sign.”