US – The investment at the two facilities is to prepare for a future vehicle programme, and forms part of a $300m expenditure planned by GM for its operations in Michigan. Orion Assembly will receive $160m for tooling and equipment, while Pontiac Metal Center will get $40m for new dies.
Cathy Clegg, vice-president GM North America Manufacturing, described the announcement as “a shot in the arm” for Orion and Pontiac. However, no new jobs will be created by the investment.
GM’s investment at the two facilities now totals $775m since 2010. The 4.3m sq.ft Orion plant received $545m in 2010 to launch the Chevrolet Sonic and the Buick Verano. The 1.2m sq.ft Pontiac facility currently stamps parts for 20 models.