GM Announces $783.5 Million In Improvements At 3 Michigan Plants
DETROIT (WWJ) - General Motors is about to make a huge investment improving its auto plants in Michigan and beyond.
The automaker announced Thursday plans to invest $5.4 billion in U.S plant improvements during the next three years, including details of $783.5 million for three Michigan facilities.
"These investments are evidence of a company on the move, strategically investing in the people, tools and equipment to produce cars, trucks and crossovers that are built to win in the marketplace, with stunning design, quality and breakthrough technologies," GM North America President Alan Batey said at the Pontiac Metal Center, where $124 million will be invested.
Two other investments detailed Thursday are $520 million for tooling and equipment for future new vehicle programs at the Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, retaining 1,900 jobs, and $139.5 million for a new body shop and stamping facility upgrades at Pre-Production Operations in Warren.
"The common thread among our investments is the focus on product improvements that benefit customers," said Cathy Clegg, vice president of GM North America Manufacturing. "Together with our UAW partners, we're working hard to exceed consumers' ever-increasing quality expectations."
All major body panel dies will be pre-tested in Pontiac under regular production conditions, enabling stamping plants to produce quality parts in shorter time; pre-production vehicles in Warren will surface issues long before regular production begins; and new products in Lansing will be among the best the company has built, she said.
The $5.4-billion new investment translates to GM investing in U.S. operations about $5 million a day or $150 million every month for the next three years.
"General Motors is investing in Michigan – and Michiganders," Gov. Rick Snyder said. "Our state's automotive heritage and expertise is known around the globe, and GM and its workforce are a major part of that. We're going to continue to ensure the best environment for GM, the auto industry and all other industries to grow and thrive, creating more and better jobs. That includes connecting and developing the talent to keep the economic engine running at full speed long into our state's bright future."
GM will detail the remaining $4.6 billion and identify plants involved over the next several months.
"By working together, the UAW and GM are making a difference in communities across the United States," said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the union's GM Department. "These investments represent the power of our collaboration to create jobs and improve competitiveness, quality and our manufacturing base in this country."
