GM to invest $385 million in Romulus Engine plant

(October 31, 2011) ROMULUS, Mich. — General Motors will invest approximately $385 million to prepare Romulus Engine for production of an all-new, fuel efficient engine program, creating or retaining about 320 jobs.

“Customers care about fuel efficiency and performance,” said Gerald Johnson, GM manufacturing manager. “We continue to innovate to meet both these expectations and the Romulus team will be an important part of our efforts."

The plant, which currently has about 840 employees on two shifts,  produces a variety of V6 and V8 engines that power GM full-size vans, SUVs and pickups, including the Chevrolet Express, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban and Colorado, GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Canyon, and Cadillac Escalade.  Romulus-built engines also are used for marine and industrial applications.

“The gains we achieved through collective bargaining not only help our membership, but also provide opportunities to members of the communities where GM builds vehicles,” said Joe Ashton, UAW vice president representing the GM Department.

The investments will support tooling and equipment upgrades. Details about program timing and applications for the new engine will be released later.