DMAX, a diesel engine joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu, is to plough US$82m of finance for future Duramax diesel engine-related productivity improvements, creating around 150 jobs during the next three years, dependent on State and local incentive approvals.
Less than a year ago, a US$60m investment was made at the plant to make design changes enabling the engines to meet future emissions requirements.
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Established in 1998, DMAX has produced almost 1.7m engines since opening in 2000. GM owns 60% and Isuzu, 40% of the venture which makes the Duramax diesel for heavy-duty trucks.
DMAX has invested US$856m in the DMAX facility since 2000.
“This investment and job creation is a result of the hard work from our DMAX team and IUE-CWA Local 755, who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to building the best diesel engine possible for our customers,” said GM North America manufacturing manager Scott Whybrew.
“The Duramax diesel’s performance is renowned in the industry, and these productivity improvements will allow us to become more efficient.”
DMAX is home to the Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The current Duramax is SAE certified at 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb-ft of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
All Duramax engines include a high-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions. The Duramax is also available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.
“It has been the successful partnership among GM, Isuzu and IUE-CWA Local 755 that continues to bring new investment dollars to our plant,” said DMAX president and COO, Shinichi Suzuki.
