GM Brings Expansion, Upgrades to Arlington Assembly Plant
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ARLINGTON (CBS11) - Tuesday, General Motors announced a new commitment to do business in the City of Arlington.
The automotive giant will invest $1.4 billion dollars in the GM Arlington Assembly plant.
GM Arlington spokesperson Jennifer Ecclestone says the commitment is about improving efficiency at the 61 year old facility.
"For us it's really about maintaining that we're showing our support here. That we're still going to be a part of this city and we're just excited for the expansion," said Ecclestone.
The upgrades include a new general assembly line, upgrades to the paint and auto body shops, new equipment and training for workers.
Many of the plant's employees were on hand for the announcement Tuesday. The local UAW applauded GM's decision.
"The best part about it is, we have a tomorrow," said William Langston.
Langston has 38 years under his belt working at GM Arlington. He sees the benefit of the upgrades for the next generation of workers.
"I'm not going to be around here all that much longer doing this, but the ones that are coming up – they have an opportunity. They have an opportunity," said Langston.
In April 2015, Arlington's city council approved tax incentives to help the deal—which becomes the largest single investment in the city's history.
City leaders think it will pay off – they estimate 2,006 direct and indirect jobs will be created in Arlington as a result of the GM investment.
The city also sees it as a catalyst for new development, which would bring tax revenue.
"GM has been a real catalyst for us in both quality of growth and number of people moving into our city. So we're excited for this to be moving again," said Mayor Jeff Williams.
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and take about three years to complete. The facility where large SUVs – Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, GM Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade – are made is the largest car manufacturing plant in Texas.
More than 4,100 people work there now and more than 1,000 SUVs come off the line every day. A GM spokesperson says production will not stop during the renovation project.
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