DETROIT, MI - General Motors announced it will move production of axles for its next-generation full-sized pickup trucks to Michigan, creating 450 new jobs.
The Detroit News cited unnamed sources that said the production is coming to GM's Grand Rapids Operations plant at 1600 Burton Street SW. That's where GM announced in 2015 it would 300 new jobs and expand production in an unused portion of the sprawling factory.
GM's announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 17, said the automaker will invest a total of $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations. The company announced $2.9 billion in investments in 2016 and said it has invested more than $21 billion in its U.S. operations since 2009.
Without naming a plant, GM said it would begin work on "in-sourcing axle production for its next generation full-size pickup trucks, including work previously done in Mexico, to operations in Michigan, creating 450 U.S. jobs."
The Detroit News reported the axle production work was being shifted to the Grand Rapids Operations plant from American Axle and Holding Co.'s plant in Mexico. GM officials did not return calls seeking to confirmation of the report.
In June, 2015, GM executives said they would reactivate a vacant portion of its Wyoming plant for a yet-to-be-named product line that would create 300 new jobs and a $119 million investment. That product line was never identified during the ensuing 18 months.
In December 2015, GM announced it would will invest $43.3 million, create 55 new jobs and retain another 15 jobs when it added a new powertrain components line at the plant, which employed 400 hourly employees and 130 salaried workers.
"The new investments cover multiple new vehicle, advanced technology and component projects," GM said in its latest announcement. "A combination of 1,500 new and retained jobs are tied to the new investments. Details of individual projects will be announced throughout the year."
"As the U.S. manufacturing base increases its competitiveness, we are able to further increase our investment, resulting in more jobs for America and better results for our owners," said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra in the press release.
"The U.S. is our home market and we are committed to growth that is good for our employees, dealers, and suppliers and supports our continued effort to drive shareholder value."
GM also announced another supplier has committed to make components for GM's next-generation full size pick-up trucks in Michigan, moving 100 supplier jobs from Mexico to the U.S.. The supplier was not identified.