General Motors said it was adding over 1,200 jobs at its Lansing factory to meet demand for popular mid-size SUVs and to help launch two new Cadillac sedans.

Lansing Grand River will add a second general assembly shift of almost 400 people as it launches the CT4 and CT5.

Lansing Delta Township will add a third shift to assemble the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. Around 800 employees will be added.

Phil Kienle, head of GM's North American manufacturing and labour relations, said: "Our [workers] have proven experience in building high quality vehicles and are well prepared to meet the needs of our customers. This is great news for our manufacturing sites as well as the Lansing community."

Since 2015, GM has spent US$1bn on Lansing manufacturing. This includes $36m at Lansing Delta Township last year for future mid size SUV production plus $175m at Lansing Grand River in 2018 to modernise tooling and equipment for the CT4 and CT5.

Both new shifts will be operational in the second quarter of 2020.

Lansing Grand River also manufactures the Chevrolet Camaro on the same single production line as the Cadillacs.

Local media noted the news was welcomed by the UAW union, which held a lengthy strike against GM last year over pay contract negotiations, and the state governor.

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