GM to make new engine, maybe new vehicles in Spring Hill

General Motors said today it will spend another $788.7 million at its Spring Hill, Tenn. campus and add 792 jobs for a new high-efficiency engine program and other upgrades to the former Saturn plant.

Construction is slated to start next month in Tennessee and is expected to take several years to complete. GM is not providing any detail on the new engine program which is still a few years from hitting the market. Spring Hill’s engine plant currently builds 4-cylinder engines on three shifts and will add assembly of small block V-8 engines by the end of 2016. Officials say today’s announcement is not further investment in that V-8 program.

Nor would officials say if the modernization of the vehicle assembly plant is to prepare to add another vehicle to the flexible assembly line in the future. The plant currently makes the Cadillac XT5 on a single shift but is preparing to add a second shift this spring to add the new 2017 GMC Acadia crossover.

“Today’s announcement reinforces our absolute faith in this facility,” said Arvin Jones, GM North America manufacturing manager. It reflects the need to keep offering more efficient engines as well as the expertise of the Spring Hill workforce in making engines.

UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada said the investment helps secure a bright future for the workforce.

“Spring Hill and its employees have earned a reputation for producing award-winning engines,” said UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron. “GM recognizes this and we’re thankful they are investing further in the future of this facility and this community.”

Spring Hill Manufacturing opened in 1990 and produced Saturn vehicles until March 2007. It produced the Chevrolet Traverse from September 2008 until November 2009, and the Chevrolet Equinox from September 2012 until October 2015.

GM has spent more than $2 billion in Spring Hill since 2010. In addition to assembly of the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia and engine production, the complex has on-site stamping and injection molding operations.

Additionally, GM will invest $118 million at its Bay City Powertrain plant which keeps 67 people working and adds another 29 jobs.

Bay City Powertrain suppliels engine components for a large number of GM vehicles.

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