General Motors Corp. announced a new capital investment program for its Saginaw (MI) Metal Casting Operations, indicating the new production equipment and tooling will support production of the automaker’s “sixth generation” V-8 engine blocks and cylinder heads for full-size pickup trucks. Those models include the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, the production volume for which GM recently announced it will increase by an estimated 1,100 vehicles per day.
The plant will continue casting engine blocks for the fifth-generation V-8 engine while work proceeds toward the new version, starting production in 2027.
Even as it invests to expand its internal combustion engine products, GM continues to scale back its battery-electric vehicle operations.
GM did not specify the new systems or processes to be installed at Saginaw, which is an aluminum sand and semi-permanent mold casting operation producing engine blocks, cylinder heads, and axle assemblies.
The plant also has pre-machining and finish machining operations.
Saginaw Metal Casting has more than 300 workers in a three-shift operation. GM did not project any new employment resulting from the new investment.
The sixth-generation V-8 is a small-block, 6.7-liter engine also called the LS6 and set to debut in the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Grand Sport. According to GM’s announcement, its commitment builds the $579-million investment from January 2023 to manufacture the new V-8 engines.
“This significant investment of over $150 million is a clear commitment to the plant and our people,” stated Saginaw Metal Casting Plant director John Lancaster. “By enabling the production of next-generation engine blocks and cylinder heads for full-size trucks, the plant is well-positioned for the future.
“This not only secures existing jobs but also strengthens the local economy, and ensures the plant continues to be an integral part of the automotive supply chain,” Lancaster continued.
