GM will invest $5.4 million in U.S. plants, including 3 Michigan facilities

Investments will be in Pontiac, Warren, Lansing

PONTIAC, Mich. – General Motors announced Thursday it will invest $5.4 billion in U.S plant improvements during the next three years, including $783.5 million for three Michigan facilities.

GM will put in $520 million for tooling and equipment for future new vehicle programs at the Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, retaining 1,900 jobs; $139.5 million for a new body shop and stamping facility upgrades at Pre-Production Operations in Warren; and $124 million at the Pontiac Metal Center.

"Our investment represents our belief in these new vehicles and confidence in this terrific workforce," said Alan Batey, GM's North America president.

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.

"I think it means a great deal. First, it's more job security. It means we're doing the best job that we know how to do, because we are bringing more jobs into the plant. It also means a lot for the corporation because it means we have the ability to expand," said metal line worker Audrey Heller

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.

GM will detail the remaining $4.6 billion and identify plants involved over the next several months.