GM To Invest $450 Million In Two Flint, Michigan Plants

$300 Million For Flint Engine South Plant Expansion For Production Of Global V-6 Engine; $150 Million To Retool Flint Truck Plant For Future Truck Production

FLINT, Mich. - General Motors today announced plans to invest a combined total of approximately $450 million in two of its Flint, Mich. manufacturing plants, further strengthening a key GM manufacturing center. In the last five years, GM has invested more than $20 billion in its U.S. operations.

The company plans to invest approximately $300 million to expand its Flint Engine South plant for production of GM's advanced global V-6 engine that will power a variety of future GM cars and SUVs. The plant is the sole producer of the award-winning inline Vortec 4200 six-cylinder engine used in GM mid-size SUVs such as the Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.

Construction will begin prior to the end of the year on the Flint Engine South expansion. The expansion would add approximately 500,000 sq. ft. to the existing facility.

In addition, GM plans to invest approximately $150 million at its Flint truck assembly plant to refurbish the facility in preparation for future full-size truck products. The investment would be used for new machinery, tooling and equipment. The Flint truck plant builds the heavy-duty crew cab version of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. In addition, the facility builds the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium-duty commercial trucks.

"GM's $450 million commitment to Flint is further proof this city remains an important part of GM's future manufacturing plan," said Guy Briggs, GM group vice president of North American Manufacturing and Labor Relations. "These two projects are instrumental in our efforts to strengthen and expand our core manufacturing capabilities in the United States and in the State of Michigan. In addition, these investments will help GM maintain its industry leadership in industrial health and safety while helping us reach our goal of becoming the industry leader in quality and productivity in North America."

"Today's announcement is very good news for the greater Flint area," said UAW vice president Richard Shoemaker. "The job and economic security of UAW members at these two facilities will be strengthened along with the well-being of many people and businesses connected to these plants through an economic change extending throughout the Flint community."

"These investments show the positive things that can happen when GM, the UAW and the community work together," said Bob Roth, director of UAW Region 1C. "I'm so proud of our rank and file members in these facilities that have worked so hard to make these investments a reality. Furthermore, these investments show that GM management has the trust in the relationship that has been built in Flint, Michigan."

"These projects will have a lasting impact on Flint's economy and thousands of families in the community," said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Every time a company like GM invests hundreds of millions of dollars, you can be sure that the result will be the most modern, high tech facilities and equipment needed in our 21st century economy. I am pleased the state could help ensure that these investments happen in Michigan."

These two projects bring GM's recent commitments to its improved Flint operations to more than $500 million. The company announced in late August plans to invest approximately $60 million in the Flint Metal Center for weld assembly systems, tools and equipment.

These investments will allow GM to create more than 300 new jobs and retain more than 3,000 high-paying, skilled jobs in the city of Flint.

The Flint Engine South plant currently employs approximately 600 hourly and 90 salaried employees. The facility is represented by UAW Local 659. The Flint truck plant currently employs approximately 3,100 hourly and 280 salaried employees. The facility is represented by UAW Local 598.