LANSING (WWJ) - General Motors says it's making a big investment in two of its plants in Michigan — and with that bringing hundreds of new jobs.
GM announced Friday that the company is adding more than 1,200 jobs at its Lansing manufacturing operations to meet customer demand for popular mid-size SUVs, and to support the launch of two all-new Cadillac sedans.
"We're doing this because we need more of the products that they build," spokesman Dan Flores told WWJ Newsradio 950's Jeff Gilbert.
Lansing Grand River Assembly will add a second shift in General Assembly, according to a news release, resulting in the plant adding almost 400 employees to support the launch of the Cadillac CT4 and CT5.
Lansing Delta Township Assembly will add a third shift to support production of its popular Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. Approximately 800 employees will be added there.
Both shift additions will be operational in the second quarter of 2020.
"We are excited to provide these opportunities in Lansing," said Phil Kienle, vice president, GM North American Manufacturing and Labor Relations, in a statement. "Our team members have proven experience in building high-quality vehicles and are well-prepared to meet the needs of our customers. This is great news for our manufacturing sites as well as the Lansing community."
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office says the moves by GM bring the total number of new auto jobs announced during Whitmer's term to nearly 12,000.
"This is great news for our hardworking UAW members, their families, and the entire Lansing community. Everyone knows the best vehicles on the road are made by the industry's best workforce right here in Michigan," Gov. Whitmer said. "From the $300 million investment in the Orion Assembly plant to the $2.2 billion in the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, we are excited about the future of manufacturing in Michigan. We are making strides every single day to cement Michigan's status as a world leader in mobility, and we will continue to work with our partners to keep our foot on the gas."
Since 2015, GM has invested more than $1 billion into Lansing manufacturing, according to GM. This includes the $36 million investment at Lansing Delta Township last year for future mid-size SUV production, as well as the $175 million investment at Lansing Grand River in 2018 to modernize tooling and equipment.
Lansing Delta Township Assembly, GM's newest plant in the U.S., has produced over three million vehicles since it opened in 2006.
General Motors' Lansing Grand River Assembly, GM's second-newest U.S. assembly plant, manufactures the Chevrolet Camaro as well as the Cadillac CT5 and CT4 family of vehicles, and their V-series performance versions, on a single production line.
