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GM To Build Plant In Flint, Michigan

by Darren

Anyone who’s seen the Michael Moore movie, “Roger and Me”, knows that Flint, Michigan and General Motors have had a troubled relationship for decades. But right now, the town is happy that GM is investing $349 million to build an engine plant that will keep 300 residents working.

It’s no wonder. Flint is a town where GM, long its primary employer, has gone from employing more than 80,000 in the late 1970s to fewer than 7,000 today.

More than 300 local workers, politicians and UAW representatives crowded under the tent to hear what Flint might become again from GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and UAW Vice President Cal Rapson, among others.

GM has been restructuring for most of 2008, hoping to re-tool its’ factories to make fuel efficient cars that consumers want. GM has been suffering from low sales, outdated models, and the fact few consumers are buying their models during the midst of a credit crisis that has affected the whole nation.

GM said that half of its’ 2011 production of fuel efficient four cylinder engines will be come from plants in North America.

The facility in Flint will be 552,000 square feet and will be the only plant in North America building the .4-liter, four-cylinder engine that will feature prominently in two new car lines for the company. Those are the Chevrolet Cruze and the The Chevrolet Volt, which is being billed as an “extended range electric vehicle.”