(May 22, 2013) LANSING, Mich. – General Motors has announced a $44.5 million investment to build a Logistics Optimization Center at its Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, creating 200 new jobs. The investment will be used to build a 400,000-square-foot building adjacent to the plant to sequence and assemble parts to make manufacturing more flexible at the site. Lansing Grand River is home of the Cadillac ATS, the North American Car of the Year.

“This project is the latest example of how we’re doing business differently in GM today,” said Christine Sitek, GM North America manufacturing manager. “We’ve developed an innovative material strategy that increases efficiency and improves quality to benefit our customers, employees and the bottom line.”

This investment will save money and improve efficiency by leveraging available plant real estate and streamlining the flow of materials. It will reduce transportation and contribute to improved quality by reducing handling.

“This investment was earned through the quality and flexibility that has been a hallmark of Lansing Grand River since it opened in 2001,” said Lansing Regional Plant Manager Tony Francavilla. “However, our plant could not be successful without the strong support from our local community, the city council and Mayor Virg Bernero. We’re committed to continuing world-class manufacturing performance for which we are known, and our customers demand.”

The plant currently builds the Cadillac ATS and the three Cadillac CTS models — sedan, coupe and wagon, as well as high-performance V-Series models of each.