AFS Corporate Member General Motors (Warren, Michigan) announced on September 28 it will invest $71 million into two Ohio manufacturing facilities including $32 million at its Defiance casting plant to prepare the facility for future engine casting components work. 

Defiance Casting Operations opened in 1948 and currently employs about 580 employees. The first iron was poured at the facility on Aug. 23, 1948. Today, these team members manufacture cylinder block and cylinder head castings for inline-four, V-6 and V-8 engines used in a variety of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. 

A $39 million upgrade at its Toledo transmission plan will enhance the production of GM's eight-speed rear-wheel-drive transmission. Work will begin immediately at both locations, and GM says the investments will help it retain 240 good-paying U.S. manufacturing jobs.

"Through these investments, GM continues to strengthen its significant manufacturing presence in Ohio," said Phil Kienle, GM vice president of North American Manufacturing and Labor Relations. "Our Toledo and Defiance teams continue to focus on building world-class products for our customers and these actions are an investment in their futures."