General Motors has announced a $190 million investment into their Lansing Grand River manufacturing plant to prepare it for the production of an upcoming small Cadillac.
The investment will result in the addition of a second shift at the plant, which means 600 new jobs.
While nothing official has been said about the new Cadillac, reports suggest that the car will be called the ATS, and that it will be similar in size to the Europe-exclusive BLS. GM says they will announce timing for the car at a later date. The plant is already home to the production of the CTS, STS, and V-Series vehicles.
“America’s fastest-growing luxury brand this year is about to get even more competitive with the addition of an all-new small luxury car,” said General Motors CEO Dan Akerson. “This investment demonstrates GM’s commitment to Cadillac and to a strong U.S. manufacturing base.”
Press Release
GM to Invest $190 Million, Add 600 Jobs at Lansing Grand River
2010-10-28
LANSING, Mich. – General Motors today announced a $190 million investment in its Lansing Grand River assembly plant for the production of a new Cadillac model. The investment will create 600 jobs and result in the addition of a second shift.
“America’s fastest-growing luxury brand this year is about to get even more competitive with the addition of an all-new small luxury car,” said GM Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson. “This investment demonstrates GM’s commitment to Cadillac and to a strong U.S. manufacturing base.”
The announcement brings the total of new U.S. investment to more than $3.1 billion and more than 7,900 jobs that GM has created or retained in 21 U.S. plants since emerging from bankruptcy in July 2009.
Built in 2001, Lansing Grand River is GM’s second-newest U.S. assembly plant and the manufacturing home of the Cadillac CTS and STS as well as their V-series performance versions. Earlier this year Lansing Grand River received the J.D. Power and Associates Bronze Plant Award for initial quality.
Joe Ashton, UAW vice president of the GM Department, said, “Today’s announcement is further proof of what UAW President Bob King said earlier this summer, ‘The UAW recognizes the paramount importance of innovation, flexibility and partnership with management to respond to global economic pressures. We are proud to play our part in the turnaround at GM. Our mission is to make the highest quality products for the best value.’
“The members of UAW Local 652 have consistently demonstrated that they can compete with any labor force on the globe,” Ashton added. “The commitment, dedication, and hard work of GM’s UAW members provide the foundation for the positive news coming from the company.”
This year, the Lansing Grand River team launched the CTS Coupe, lauded by the automotive press for groundbreaking design and outstanding performance. The Coupe extends the CTS line, which has been named to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for three straight years. It shares design cues with the CTS Sport Sedan, but the Coupe has a wider track, lower roofline and shorter length, giving it an aggressive stance and sleek, athletic profile
The timing of the new Cadillac and the new jobs as well as the start of the second shift will be announced later.
Source: General Motors and The Detroit News