GM helps Canadian auto workers while investing in Chevy Impala and Detroit, too

(TorqueNews) Continuing a growth spurt, General Motors Co. has unveiled plans to spend $68 million on a Canadian manufacturing facility to produce the new Chevrolet Impala. The Chevy Impala will be the fifth new GM product that will be built in Canada since 2009.

GM said in a statement it will create 350 CAW jobs by expanding the Oshawa Assembly Plant in Canada to assemble the next-gen Impala.

“We have a strong track record of quality and productivity in Oshawa, where we will continue to build the world’s best vehicles,” said Chris Buckley, president of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 222.

Even with the expansion, GM has chosen to also assemble the high-volume Impala down the street from its Detroit headquarters at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant.

“With the investments for the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS, we are taking big steps forward to ensure we maximize the flexible manufacturing facility and high-quality workforce that exist in Oshawa,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada.

“We are building on the recent capacity increases, product launches and shift additions at our Canadian operations to affirm that Canada will play an important role in the new GM as we continue to transform our product lineup.”

Combined with the recent investment to support the launch of the Cadillac XTS in 2012, GM is committing $185 million to Oshawa. Between the two vehicles, GM will create or retain 750 jobs at the plant.

Splitting production of the Impala between Oshawa and Hamtramck will "meet customer demand and maximize the flexibility of GM’s manufacturing operations," the car company said in a statement. The Impala now enters its ninth generation. The eighth-generation Impala is pictured with this report.

Oshawa recently launched the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Chevrolet Equinox, adding two shifts and securing 1,300 jobs, Dan Hermer, plant manager at Oshawa Assembly, said in a prepared statement. The plant employs more than 4,400 people.

“Our workforce has always worked hard to exceed expectations and execute exceptional product launches, and we’re happy to receive another vote of confidence with this most recent investment,” Hermer said.

Reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at hawkefracassa@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

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