GM pumping in US$230 million for new facilities

General Motors Company is investing more than US$230 million in four GM plants in the greater Flint, Michigan area to support the production of the fuel-efficient 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, representing more than 500 jobs. The four GM plants include Flint Engine South, Flint Metal Center, Flint Tool & Die and Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center.

Key activities performed by the four plants include development of automated equipment and tooling for the Chevy Cruze and Volt assembly plants, die development and stamping of body panels and other components, and the manufacturing and assembly of key powertrain components including the 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine generator for the Volt and the 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo engine for the Cruze.

The biggest chunk of the money, about US$202 million, is being spent on the Flint South Engine plant. The line that currently builds the inline five- and six-cylinder engines used in the Hummer H3 is being revamped. That line will now build the 1.4-liter Family engines that will be used in the Cruze and Volt.

The Chevrolet Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model, will be GM's first extended-range electric vehicle. The Volt can travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge, and can extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered 1.4-litre engine-generator, which will be produced at Flint Engine South.

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