General Motors has started production of its Ecotec 4-cylinder engine to power the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac ATS at its Tonawanda plant.
The US$425m investment will support production of the 2.5L and 2.0L turbo and enable quick changeovers from one engine product to another. There are around 10,000 items to track to ensure launch timing.
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“The men and women of Tonawanda have always focused on safety, quality, and cost,” said GM manufacturing manager Jim Glynn. “Although competitive reasons keep me from revealing actual dollar figures, I am happy to report Tonawanda Engine has the best engine warranty in all of General Motors.”
In a plant ceremony marking the start of production, UAW Local 774 Shop chairman, Bob Coleman, said, “I am very proud of the UAW members who have built our reputation for producing quality engines.”
From 650 employees a year ago with 130 on permanent lay-off, Tonawanda has brought back all laid-off workers and added 54 additional jobs, 21 from GM Components Holdings plants and 33 new-hires.
More hiring is expected at Tonawanda with the addition of shifts for the Ecotec engines and the upcoming launch of the GEN V V8 engine line in Plant 1.
