Between two recent announcements, the news is that about $365 million in investments from GM and Nexteer Automotive will be bulking up the job creation in Saginaw--namely, by about 1,300 jobs.
From
GM, about $215 million is going into the automaker's Saginaw metal casting operations, to support future engine block production and head casting work. The money will create or retain about 275 jobs. The Saginaw casting plant has been open since 1919, and currently has about 630 employees on two shifts, building aluminum engine blocks and cylinder heads for GM vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Malibu.
At
Nexteer Automotive in Saginaw, the second announcement was made that as a result of long-term contracts newly retained through 2018, the company will put $150 million into increasing customer demand for fuel-efficient electronic power steering. Nexteer makes advanced steering and driveline systems.
The money means Nexteer can retain more than 1,000 jobs, as it expands and improves its testing and validation processes--including an expansion at the company's vehicle testing center and an upgrade at its oldest plant so it can produce electronic power steering components.
"This significant investment is a reflection of Nexteer's ongoing commitment to the Great Lakes Bay Region and the state of Michigan and recognition of the work being done here by our highly skilled technical and UAW-represented production teams," says Robert Remenar, Nexteer president and CEO. "New, long-term customer contracts through 2018, including General Motor’s next generation full-size pickup, will add revenue that benefits all product lines, allowing us to upgrade and expand our testing, manufacturing and innovation capabilities."
Nexteer currently employs more than 3,700 people in Saginaw County.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Robert Remenar, Nexteer Automotive
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