General Motors to Add Production Line in Bedford

BEDFORD, Ind. (April 27, 2010) - Lt. Governor Becky Skillman joined executives from General Motors, LLC today to announce the company's plans to expand its manufacturing operations here, adding 245 jobs by 2013.

GM Powertrain Bedford, one of the world's largest aluminum die casting facilities, currently manufactures NorthStar engine blocks, four-speed transmissions and fuel efficient six-speed transmissions.  The automaker plans to invest $111 million to add a semi-permanent mold cylinder head casting line for small block engines.

"Since the early days of the automobile, Hoosiers have demonstrated a strong commitment to engineering quality cars and trucks," said Skillman.  "With hundreds of jobs on the way, today is another significant sign of recovery for an industry hard hit by a challenging national economy."

The company, which currently employs more than 350 associates in Bedford, plans to bring additional manufacturing employees on board to coincide with the anticipated start of production of the new line. 

 "The Bedford investment of $111 million is a positive sign for men and women of Bedford Powertrain.  We are all proud to be involved and take great pride in building the transmissions for more fuel efficient engines for people buying GM vehicles," said Eric Gonzales, Bedford Powertrain plant manager.  "These engines and transmissions will power some of our most popular cars and trucks and reduce operating costs. We're making huge commitments to strategic manufacturing operations to ensure we can serve the widest possible range of buyer needs."

Opened in 1942, GM's 915,000 square-foot facility in Bedford is one of the company's four Indiana locations.  GM Powertrain Bedford is one of approximately 35 Indiana companies recognized as a Partner for Pollution Prevention by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. 

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered General Motors, LLC up to $2.5 million in performance-based tax credits. The city of Bedford, with the support of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, approved additional tax abatement for the new manufacturing equipment required to produce the mold head castings.

"This investment by General Motors in Bedford is proof of the strong work ethic of our local citizens and the commitment of local officials to support business retention and expansion efforts in our community," said Mayor Shawna Girgis.  "I believe that the projected 245 jobs created through this investment and over $15 million dollars in salaries marks another economic turning point for our community and that is reason to celebrate."

In 2006 and 2007, GM invested $114 million in its Bedford facility to produce transmission cases and converter housings for its fuel-efficient, six speed transmissions used in various models including the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac XLR, Chevy Malibu and Buick Enclave. Last year, GM announced it would add capacity to its Fort Wayne and Marion plants.  

About General Motors: 
General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.  With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries.  GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands:  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling.  GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany.  GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.  General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation.  More information on the new General Motors can be found at .

About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC.

Source: IEDC Blair West