GM plans further $1 billion investment in Michigan plants for ICE trucks
June 7, 2023
General Motors has announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in two of its Flint, Michigan, USA, manufacturing sites (Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center) to prepare for production of the company’s next-generation internal combustion engine powered heavy-duty trucks, a move aimed at further strengthening its full-size truck business.
The company plans to invest $788 million at the Flint Assembly, enabling updates including a body shop building expansion, general assembly conveyor expansion, and new tooling and equipment. At the Flint Metal Center, GM will invest $233 million for new stamping dies to support production of GM’s next-generation ICE HD trucks, as well as press refurbishments and new equipment
“Today we are announcing significant investments in Flint to strengthen our industry-leading full-size pickup business by preparing two plants to build the next-generation ICE HD trucks,” stated Gerald Johnson, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability. “These investments reflect our commitment to our loyal truck customers and the efforts of the dedicated employees of Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center.”
The announcement brings GM’s US manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $30.5 billion since 2013 and is expected to bolster GM’s US manufacturing operations. This includes over fifty assembly, stamping, propulsion and component plants and parts distribution centres nationwide. The investment is also said to reflect the company’s commitment to providing customers a portfolio of ICE vehicles.
In 2022, GM achieved a 38% year-over-year increase in heavy-duty pickup sales with nearly 288,000 trucks sold. Additionally, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado HD was reported to be the best-selling retail full-size heavy-duty pickup.
“When business is booming as it has been for the past decade — due to the hard work of UAW members — the company should continue to invest in its workforce,” added Mike Booth, UAW vice president, GM department. “It is good to see that GM recognizes the hard work you, the UAW membership, contribute to the success of this company. We are proud that UAW-GM members will continue to build quality, union-made products here in the USA.”
GM has announced more than $1.7 billion in investments for Flint-area operations in 2023, including $579 million in Flint Engine Operations for sixth-generation Small Block V-8 engine production and $103.5 million in Davison Road Processing Center for technology upgrades to improve workplace safety and ergonomics.