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A GM worker hauls aluminum castings.at the Bedford, IN, casting plant.

GM Expanding Aluminum Casting for EV Drive Units

Dec. 7, 2021
The Bedford, IN, plant update will begin immediately as the automaker prepares to cast more parts for the battery-electric vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado EV pickup.

General Motors committed to a capital investment of more than $51 million for its Bedford, IN, aluminum diecasting operation. The project, though undetailed in respect to capacity and function, will support production of drive unit castings for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, as well as current products.

GM described the effort at Bedford as a “renovation,” and stated it will begin immediately. The Chevy Silverado EV will be unveiled in early January.

“Our Bedford operation is one of the leading aluminum diecasting facilities in the world and this investment is a testament of our confidence in the employees at Bedford," stated Phil Kienle, v.p. of North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations. "This investment is another example of the company bringing along our workforce in our journey to an all-electric future while we strengthen our current products."

The Bedford plant currently has semi-permanent mold and diecasting operations producing cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, transmission cases, structural components, and drive unit housings, supporting Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac products. It has nearly 900 hourly and salaried workers.

The automaker noted that the Bedford plant has been producing electric drive unit castings for the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup and 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV since earlier this year.