The specific facility investments are:
· $163 million to retool its Pontiac truck plant for production of the next generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size trucks late this year
· $32 million in its Pontiac metal stamping plant for innovative sheet hydroforming equipment used to stamp much of the sheet metal for the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and the future Opel roadster
· $138 million for its Lansing Grand River assembly plant to expand the body shop by more than 120,000 sq. ft. for future vehicle production
· $152 million for its Ypsilanti Transmission plant to increase production capacity of GM’s new rear-wheel drive six-speed transmission
· $60 million for the Romulus Engine plant for various future engine upgrades
“GM’s investments demonstrate our commitment to continuously improve our products,” said Joe Spielman, vice president and general manager of GM North America Manufacturing. “They also show our dedication to strengthening our Michigan manufacturing operations.”
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm commented on the importance of the investment. "GM's decision to invest more than a half billion dollars in these manufacturing plants clearly signals their belief in our highly skilled and dedicated work force,” Granholm said. “Because the automotive industry is such an important cornerstone of our state's economy and livelihood, we are thankful that GM has chosen to further invest in Michigan."
These investments help GM retain current jobs at the five facilities, while creating more than 280 new jobs at the Pontiac truck assembly plant. GM does not anticipate the need for any new hires.
