Flint, Bay City To Get Some of The First New GM Jobs

by Jeff Gilbert
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter

General Motors saying that 96 of the 4000 jobs that it's adding or retaining will go to plants in Flint and Bay City that are responsible for production of the company's new four cylinder engines.

"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.

While 96 jobs doesn't sound like a lot, this follows early announcements of jobs being added at those facilities.

"If we have another two years like that, we're going to have to expand the parking lot," said Todd McDaniel, chairman of UAW Local 362 in Bay City.  "Either that, or we're going to have to start carpooling."

The Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged engine for the Chevrolet Cruze Eco model helps that vehicle achieve 42 highway mpg. The 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine enables range extension for the Chevrolet Volt electric car. After the battery is depleted, the on-board engine-generator creates additional electricity to power the car for hundreds of additional miles.

Later this year, the 1.4-liter engine will be installed in the Chevrolet Sonic, which will be built at GM's assembly plant in Orion Township, Mich.

There will likely be more announcements of this type as General Motors slowly announces new investments.  On Tuesday, the company promised two billion dollars in upgrades, to 17 plants.   GM isn't commenting on reports that most of those jobs will be in Michigan.

GM's announcement follows hiring by Ford, and comes amid reports that Chrysler is poised to hire 3000 new workers, and add shifts at several plants.  Chrysler isn't commenting on that.

Analysts say the recovery is for real.

"We're actually seeing some success happening, and that's a good thing for the companies," said Aaron Bragman of IHS Automotive.

The addition of new jobs, Bragman says, follows years of getting the expense side of their businesses in shape.

"They've pared themselves down so much during the bankruptcy periods and the restructuring periods that now they are operating at a much healthier level, and they can add jobs where they need them.  That's where you really want to be."

Follow Jeff Gilbert on Twitter @Jeffery Gilbert