(October 23, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors is nearly doubling its workforce at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly by adding a second shift and more than 1,200 hourly and salaried jobs. The addition of a second shift will increase the plant’s workforce to approximately 2,800 people when hiring is completed.

The second shift is necessary to meet forecasted market demand for the five cars produced at Detroit-Hamtramck.

“This is the result of the award-winning vehicles Detroit-Hamtramck produces and the confidence GM has in our team to build world-class quality for our customers,” said Plant Manager Gary West.

Second shift hiring is underway, and the shift is scheduled to begin operations in early 2016.

At the same time, GM confirmed that it was laying off about 500 workers at the Orion Township assembly plant where the Chevrolet Sonic subcompact is built. GM said the move will "adjust plant production to align with market demand" by reducing to one shift from two.

The 4.1 million-square-foot Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly opened in 1985. GM has invested $1 billion in the plant over the last six years, making it one of the company’s most-agile manufacturing facilities in North America. The plant currently builds the Chevrolet Volt, Impala and Malibu; and Cadillac ELR on a single production line. The plant begins production of the Cadillac CT6 in early 2016.