GM to invest $552M into 4 U.S. plants

General Motors Co. said Wednesday it is investing $552 million into four U.S. plants, including nearly $300 million for future engine production at its Tonawanda Engine plant in New York.

The automaker said the investment would retain more than 1,300 jobs, while creating nearly 70 new jobs.

“GM remains committed to investing in its U.S. operations,” Cathy Clegg, vice president of GM North America manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement. “With these latest projects we have announced investments of $2.2 billion in 2016, allowing us to support the production of future engines and vehicles.”

The Detroit automaker said it will invest $295.9 million at Tonawanda, retaining 857 jobs and creating 67 new positions; $31.86 million for components at its Lockport Components facility in New York, retaining 320 jobs; $5.9 million for components at its Rochester Components facility in New York, retaining 20 jobs; $218 million for new presses, dies and sub assemblies at its Parma Metal Center in Ohio, retaining 140 jobs.

GM did not provide details on timing or what engines would be produced at Tonawanda. Some of the investments and job promises were expected, including at Tonawanda, and were highlighted as part of GM’s 2015 agreement with the UAW.

“The UAW’s negotiations with GM to reinvest in the Tonawanda, Rochester, Lockport and Parma plants have paid off not only for our members but also for those communities,” Cindy Estrada, UAW vice president for GM, said in a statement. “Our strategic bargaining efforts will keep and grow great American auto manufacturing jobs in places that have seen too much manufacturing disappear and will solidify the job security our members deserve.”

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