GM to invest $163M in 3 plants to support engine production for Volt, Cruze and new small car
24 November 2010
General Motors is investing $163.2-million in its operations in Flint and Bay City, Michigan, and Defiance, Ohio, to support engine production for the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Cruze and a new Chevrolet small car to be built in the United States.
The investments will be used to support increased production of the Ecotec 1.4-liter engine that is used in the Chevrolet Cruze and a 1.4L variant used in the Chevrolet Volt. Flint Engine is expected to start production of 400 engines a day in early 2011 and ramp up to 800 engines a day in late 2011. The newest investment increases its capacity to 1,200 a day in late 2012. Bay City will increase connecting rod and camshaft production and Defiance will boost output of engine block and crankshaft castings.
The investments include: Flint Engine Operations: $138.3 million (135 jobs); Bay City components: $12.7 million (8 jobs); and Defiance castings: $12.2 million (41 jobs).
This investment is essential in ensuring we can meet the expected high demand for the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Cruze and a small car that will be produced at our Orion Township facility.
—Kathleen Dilworth, Flint Engine Operations plant manager
The announcement brings the total of new US investment to more than $3.3 billion, and GM has created or retained more than 8,000 jobs in 21 US plants since emerging from bankruptcy in July 2009.
Cruze and Volt is rather confusing. Why not Cruse and Cruze PHEV?
Posted by: HarveyD | 24 November 2010 at 01:36 PM
A key to a vibrant society is the ability to MAKE stuff. Building, manufacturing, making goods and services is the lifeblood of human society. Which is why these expansion investments in manufacturing are critical.
Good for GM, government and the people who are helping rebuild our manufacturing base.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 28 November 2010 at 09:10 AM