GM investing $109 million in Flint, Bay City to keep, add 96 Michigan jobs

General Motors announced today that it will be investing $109 million in its Flint and Bay City, Michigan plant to support engine production for current and future fuel-efficent models produced for the United States market. GM said that the investment will protect or add 96 jobs at the two sites.

The $109 million investment is a part of a $2 billion investment to create or retain more than 4,000 hourly and salaried jobs at 17 facilities in eight states, that GM announced earlier this week.

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“This investment marks the second major increase in engine and engine component output in less than six months – a sign that GM is moving quickly to meet growing demand for more fuel-efficient cars,” said Terri Burden, Flint Engine Operations plant manager.

The investment in Flint and Bay City will support the production of the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder found in the Chevrolet Cruze Eco. It also supports production of the 1.4L naturally aspirated engine in the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Sonic, which will be produced later this year at GM’s plant in Orion Township, Mich.

Refresher: The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will go on sale in the later part of 2011 and will be available in a sedan and hatchback variant. The standard engine on the 2012 Sonic is a 1.8L DOHC inline 4-cylinder unit making 135-hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, while an optional 138-hp 1.4L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder is also available

– By: Omar Rana