GM engine plant builds 2 millionth Duramax diesel engine

(March 26, 2017) MORAINE, Ohio — The 755 employees at the General Motors DMAX, Ltd. plant on Friday celebrated the build of the 2 millionth Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel engine. Groundbreaking for the new DMAX, Ltd. plant began in 1998, with the first engine rolling off the line July 17, 2000.

Since then, Duramax engines have won multiple awards and built a reputation for impressive power and durability.

Today, DMAX makes the Duramax diesel engines for heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. Duramax engines also power some Navistar commercial trucks, Gale Banks vehicles and even marine applications.

The plant has received two recent investments:

    2014: $60 million investment announced for emissions improvements
    2015: $82 million investment annou
nced for productivity improvements

“Over the past 17 years, DMAX has produced 2 million award-winning heavy-duty diesel engines. This is not only a significant milestone, but truly speaks to the dedication of our team," said GM Plant Manager Pat Curtis.

“We consider ourselves to be a big part of the community in which we live and work. We have invested both dollars and volunteerism into several local organizations, specifically the Moraine Foundation, which channels all local charitable activities and the promotion of STEM-related opportunities through the Wes
t Carrollton HS–FIRST Robotics Club.”

Employees are currently building the redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel. This next-generation engine offers more horsepower and torque than ever — an SAE-certified 445 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 910 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm — to enable easier, more confident hauling and trailering.

Along with a 19 percent increase in max torque over the last Duramax 6.6L, the redesigned turbo-diesel’s performance is quieter and smoother, for greater refinement. It is also capable of running on B20 biodiesel, a fuel composed of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent conventional diesel. B20 helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessen dependence on petroleum. It is a domestically produced, renewable fuel made primarily of plant matter, mostly soybean oil.

DMAX, Ltd. was established in 1998. GM owns 60 percent and Isuzu owns 40 percent of the joint venture.