Detroit – On Monday, General Motors announced plans to invest US$70 million in its engine plant in Tonawanda, New York, and US$6 million in its metal stamping plant in Palma, Ohio.
These two manufacturing-related investments support strong customer and dealer demand for General Motors’ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.
Tonawanda’s investment will be used to increase the production capacity of the engine block production line, and Parma’s investment will be used to build four new metal assembly units to support the increased truck output.
Phil Kienle, vice president of GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations, said: “General Motors will continue to invest to strengthen our core business and respond to the growing demand for our full-size pickup trucks.
“Our Tonawanda and Parma teams are committed to building world-class products for customers, and these investments reflect our confidence in these teams.”
Tonawanda produces award-winning engines, including Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali, and Cadillac Escalade’s 4.3L V-6, 5.3L V-8 and 6.2L V-8 Ecotec3 engine series. In addition, the plant also manufactures 6.6-liter small V-8 gasoline engines for Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks.
The Tonawanda engine plant has approximately 1,300 employees. UAW Local 774 represents hourly workers in the factory.
The Palma Metal Center processes and services more than 800 tons of steel per day, and supports approximately 35 customers, including most vehicles produced by General Motors North America. The total number of Parma molds exceeds 750 and can produce up to 100 million parts per year.
The manufacturing process includes small, medium and large transfer press production lines, high-speed progressive presses and world-class cut-to-length shears, as well as GM North America’s largest independent, multi-unit, resistive and laser welded metal component operation. Parma has approximately 1,000 employees. Hourly employees are represented by UAW Local 1005.