General Motors (GM) has announced an investment of over $1 billion for two of its plants located in Flint, Michigan. This investment is aimed at increasing the production of their upcoming next-generation heavy-duty trucks with internal combustion powertrains. The company has not provided specific details regarding the future models that will succeed the current Chevrolet Silverado HD, and GMC Sierra HD/Denali. However, they have disclosed that 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. Additionally, 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.
GM’s investment highlights its commitment to continue providing customers with a strong portfolio of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for years to come, even with its emphasis on an electric vehicle (EV) future. 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. These investments reflect GM’s commitment to its loyal truck customers and the efforts of the dedicated employees of Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center.
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.”
Mika Booth, UAW vice president in the GM department, commented: “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. 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.”
In conclusion, GM’s investment in its Flint facilities is aimed at increasing the production of its next-generation heavy-duty trucks with internal combustion powertrains. This investment highlights GM’s commitment to continue providing customers with a strong portfolio of ICE vehicles for years to come, even with its emphasis on an EV future. The investment also reflects GM’s commitment to its loyal truck customers and the efforts of the dedicated employees of Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center.