Expansion of Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant would keep GM’s Lansing facilities competitive on global stage
LANSING, MI – General Motors’ Lansing Grand River Assembly (LGR) manufacturing complex could grow by 225,000 square feet and add dozens of new jobs with the possible construction of a new cutting-edge stamping facility. If the estimated $162 million stamping plant receives necessary city approvals, the Lansing region would take another significant leap forward as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
“Once again our hometown car company is poised to grow and thrive, right here in Lansing,” said Mayor Virg Bernero. “We are incredibly fortunate to be a centerpiece of GM’s global strategy to build great cars, and we will continue to roll out the red carpet rather than the red tape to accommodate their future endeavors.”
Mayor Bernero noted that GM’s LGR facilities currently produce some of the finest automobiles in the world, including the 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year — the Cadillac CTS — and the 2013 North American Car of the Year — the Cadillac ATS. GM is also expected to start production of the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro at LGR in the future.
According to GM’s initial plans, the potential new LGR stamping facility could create up to 65 new jobs, with the potential for more new jobs as the proposed facility ramps up to meet production needs. Perhaps more importantly, the project will allow GM to increase quality and capacity and allow LGR to stay competitive in the global automotive marketplace.
“The city and region both win with this potential project, which will allow GM and Lansing to stay globally competitive while creating good jobs for our citizens,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “This plant is absolute cutting-edge technology.”
Karl Dorshimer, Director of Economic Development for LEAP, worked closely with General Motors as part of LEAP’s contract for economic development services with the City of Lansing and Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). Dorshimer said that the potential LGR expansion is dependent upon the City of Lansing approving economic incentives that facilitate GM’s potential new investment. GM’s request for P.A. 198 and P.A. 328 economic incentives will be submitted to the Lansing City Council for referral to committee at their Monday, March 10 meeting, Dorshimer said.
