General Motors is revving up its manufacturing game with an investment of over $1 billion for two of its plants located in Flint, Michigan. This hefty cash injection is aimed at fueling the production of their upcoming next-generation heavy-duty trucks with internal combustion powertrains.
While the company did not provide specific details regarding the future models that will succeed the current Chevrolet Silverado HD, and GMC Sierra HD / Denali, they did disclose the allocation of investment for the Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center facilities in Michigan.
Approximately $788 million will be allocated for investments in the Flint Assembly, which will cover expansions for the body shop building and the general assembly conveyor. This investment will also encompass the acquisition of new tooling and equipment. Furthermore, an additional $233 million will be invested in the Flint Metal Center to facilitate the development of new stamping dies, refurbishments of presses, and the procurement of new equipment.
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Even with its emphasis on an electric vehicle (EV) future, GM says that the new investment highlights its “commitment to continue providing customers a strong portfolio of ICE vehicles for years to come”. Sales of GM’s heavy-duty pickups experienced a 38% increase in 2022 compared to 2021, with the Chevrolet Silverado HD crowned the best seller of its segment.
Since the beginning of 2023, GM has announced more than $1.7 billion worth of investments in the Flint facilities, adding to more than $30.5 billion directed toward its US plants over the past decade.
As reported by Detroit News, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union will start a series of crucial contract negotiations with Detroit’s big three this summer, which are set to play an important role in the transition to the zero-emission era. The final decisions will be taken before September 14, when the union’s current contracts with GM, Ford, and Stellantis expire.
Gerald Johnson, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability, said: “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. These investments reflect our commitment to our loyal truck customers and the efforts of the dedicated employees of Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center.”
“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”, Mika Booth, UAW vice president in the GM department, commented. “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.”