GM investing $109 million, including at Bay City plant

It's another round of good news for Bay City from General Motors, as the automaker announced the Flint and Bay City plants will be the subjects of a $109 million investment to keep them building cars.

The plants will continue to support engine production for fuel-efficient small cars using the Ecotec engine, for the U.S. market. GM says the investment will keep or add 96 jobs between Flint and Bay City.

The announcement follows up last fall's commitment from GM to put $151 million into the two plants, so it seems for now the two plants are in no danger, due to higher demand for fuel-efficient small cars.

The Bay City plant will get $25 million of the chunk of change, for production of connecting rods and camshafts used in the Ecotec 1.4-liter engines. The engines are used in the Chevrolet Cruze Eco model, as well as in the Chevrolet Volt electric car, to extend its range. GM says the engines will also go into the Chevrolet Sonic, to be built later this year.

"I am very excited on behalf of all of our employees here at the Bay City Plant about our announcement today and very thankful for the cooperation and support from the community," says Joe Mazzeo, Bay City plant manager. "This announcement comes about in part because of our great team and the focus we place on delivering great products, an outstanding work ethic and an excellent working relationship between our union and management team."

The Michigan bankroll is part of an overall $2 billion that's going into 17 facilities in eight states to boost GM production.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Joe Mazzeo, General Motors Bay City Plant