GM Service and Parts Operations to Build New Facility In Massachusetts

BOSTON September 3, 2004; General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GM SPO) has selected a site in Norton, Mass. as the location of a new Parts Distribution Center (PDC). "This new PDC is an important part of SPO's strategy to provide world-class service to GM dealers by realigning the distribution network with less automated and more manual facilities," said Charlie Hyndman, SPO director of Warehousing and Distribution for U.S. Operations. "These facilities feature lean and common processes and fully engage employees to achieve significant improvements in competitiveness."

This new 404,000 square foot facility will handle automotive replacement part shipments to more than 400 dealerships in seven states. DUKE, a nationally recognized developer, will construct the new PDC that is scheduled to begin in September 2004.

Several factors influenced the decision to relocate the new facility in Norton. "The cooperative work between the leadership of UAW Local 422 and the Boston PDC management helped develop GM's business case with local, state and federal agencies," Hyndman said. "We're also very sensitive to the impact on employees, their families and the community whenever we implement new business strategies to improve service to GM dealers."

Ray Culbert, GM SPO Operations Engineering manager, said GM was impressed with the town of Norton. "In making our decision, we factored in a highly qualified labor market, quality of life issues and transportation capabilities," he said. "In the end, the town of Norton provided us with an economic environment that exceeded our expectations. "I credit the town of Norton with special thanks to Town Manager Jim Purcell and the Board of Selectman, for their professionalism and tireless efforts to make this project a reality."

Culbert also applauded the support received from Governor Mitt Romney and the Massachusetts Department of Business Development.

"Today, we celebrate and recognize General Motors for their contribution to helping to create new jobs and drive economy growth here in Massachusetts," said Governor Mitt Romney. "We applaud GM's decision to build a new manufacturing facility in Norton, which helps the local economy and also underscores our commitment to attracting companies in the Commonwealth."

Norton Town Manager Jim Purcell said the project is a real win for the community. "This is a groundbreaking development in many respects," Purcell said. "To have this type of project and to have a company of this caliber select the town of Norton as a regional hub, speaks volumes for the cooperation of all parties involved and for the reputation Norton has earned, based upon its infrastructure and diversification of its business and housing markets." Purcell added, "Norton's geography make the town an ideal location for a parts distribution center."

GM SPO has opened 16 new PDCs in cities around the country since 1999, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Fort Worth, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, and Memphis.

General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds, and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

SPO, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., markets automotive replacement parts and accessories worldwide under the GM and ACDelco brand names. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench Service Web site at Goodwrench.com or call 1-800-GM USE US.