General Motors plans to invest $300 million in its Orion Township assembly plant in Michigan — a move that will bring 400 new jobs to the plant.
The investment is geared towards the production of a new Chevrolet electric vehicle, and is said to be part of the automaker’s commitment to invest $1.8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations. The overall investment will see the creation of 700 new jobs and is expected to support 28,000 jobs across six states.
“We are excited to bring these jobs and this investment to the U.S.,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. “This new Chevrolet electric vehicle is another positive step toward our commitment to an all-electric future. GM will continue to invest in our U.S. operations where we see opportunities for growth.”
The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly complained about GM’s decision to close certain manufacturing plants in the nation, where an estimated 2,800 hourly employees have been impacted.
GM said 1,100 employees have so far been placed at other GM plants. Hundreds more are in the process of being placed in new jobs and 1,200 employees are said to be eligible for retirement. GM is also in the process of adding 1,000 jobs to its Flint Truck Assembly Plant, and has recently announced new investments at its Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant and Romulus Propulsion Plant.
On the Canadian front, Unifor officials recently met with senior General Motors officials to discuss how they can preserve as many jobs as possible in Oshawa, Ont.
“I am much more confident today than I was a month ago that together we will find a resolution,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who took part in the discussions. “While some of our members qualify for retirement, others need ongoing good paying jobs to support their families. We are committed to work with GM to find solutions for both.”
“Constructive” negotiations with GM began February 25. The automaker does not plan to extend vehicle manufacturing at the Oshawa plant beyond December of 2019, but together with the union they are reviewing the potential to transform operations “so as to maintain a base level of hourly employment,” said Unifor in its news release.
