GM to Boost Engine Capacity With Latest Investment

General Motors says it plans to invest $109 million in its Flint and Bay City, MI, operations, a move expected to keep or add 96 jobs at the two plants.

The investment is part of a strategy outlined earlier this week in which the auto maker said it would invest $2 billion at some 17 U.S. manufacturing sites, with expectations to create and retain more than 4,000 jobs.

It also signals the second expansion at the two Michigan facilities, the first of which was a $151 million outlay announced in November.

Of the $109 million, $84 million will be used at Flint to increase 1.4L engine capacity. In Bay City, $25 million will go toward producing connecting roads and camshafts for the engine, which is used in the Chevrolet Cruze Eco C-car and Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

Later this year, the 1.4L mill will be installed in the Chevrolet Sonic small car, which will be built at GM’s assembly plant in Orion Township, MI.