$425-million investment boosts production at Buffalo GM plant
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Investment will allow for flexible manufacturing that will support production of new turbo engines
Buffalo, N.Y.—A $425-million investment by General Motors (GM) in its Tonawanda engine plant saw its first returns with the latest technology that will go into the next-generation Ecotec four-cylinder engines.
The investment will allow for flexible manufacturing that will support production of the 2.5L and 2.0L turbo engines and enable quick changeovers from one engine product to another.
The engines will be used to power the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac ATS.
From 650 employees a year ago with 130 on permanent layoff, Tonawanda has brought back all laid-off workers and added 54 additional jobs, 21 from other GM plants and 33 new-hires.
More hiring is expected at Tonawanda, the company announced, with new shifts added for the assembly of Ecotec engines and the upcoming launch of the GEN V V8 engine line.
