GM Invests $98 Million In Indianapolis Metal Center

PONTIAC, Mich. February 7, 2005; General Motors plans to invest approximately $98 million in the Indianapolis Metal Center for new equipment, machinery and special tools to update press operations and produce future products. Jim De Luca, manufacturing manager for GM North American Manufacturing, announced the investment today to plant leadership and employees.

"This investment will help improve the overall operations of the Indianapolis Metal Center," said De Luca. "By upgrading aging equipment with a new progressive press and weld assembly systems, we will improve the plant's flexibility and be able to produce higher quality components more efficiently."

A new progressive press, weld assembly systems and tools for future product programs are key components of the investment. The new press will stamp automotive components for GM cars and trucks. Weld assembly systems unite stamped components into sub-assemblies and tools are used to stamp parts in presses.

"Investing in the Indianapolis Metal Center demonstrates GM's commitment to the UAW, the employees, Indianapolis, Marion County and the state of Indiana," commented Terry Thurman, UAW Region 3 director.

"The investment in Indianapolis also recognizes the contributions of our highly skilled workforce," said De Luca. "Employees at this site consistently demonstrate a level of commitment that will help us get a good return on our investment. We are also pleased with the dedication of the joint leadership team, which has significantly impacted the plant's good performance."

In the last two years GM has invested an additional $72 million in the plant for several weld assembly cells and tools for product programs. Coupled with the new commitment announced today, GM has identified almost $171 million for the Indianapolis Metal Center since December 2002.

"This investment recognizes and rewards the hard work of the men and women here at the Indianapolis Metal Center," said UAW Local 23 Shop Chairman Jim Gunter. "It's good news for the plant, UAW Local 23 and the community."

"We appreciate the long-term business relationship that has developed over many years with the state of Indiana and its ongoing support for our facility," said Indianapolis Metal Center Plant Manager Max Miller. "I am very proud of what we accomplish here each and every day."

The Indianapolis Metal Center, which is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, opened in 1930 and employs approximately 1,990 people. The plant produces major automotive metal stampings and fabricated parts for various GM vehicles.

GM has invested more than $20 billion in its U.S. operations during the last five years. The investments, which underscore GM's commitment to a strong U.S. manufacturing base, help support the economy while providing highly skilled jobs in communities across the country.