GM Invests $246 Million in Manufacturing Electric Powertrains

Contemporary electric automotive history is being shaped step by step. Yesterday, we reported that General Motors will start building electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles, thus becoming a segment leader in the U.S. After that, GM announced that it will invest $246 million in electric motor and electric drive manufacturing. This includes the construction of a high volume electric drive production facility at the Baltimore Transmission plant which is scheduled to start manufacturing electric motors for the company’s two-mode hybrid system in 2013.

Through this, GM will create around 200 U.S. jobs. The development will be supported by local and state incentives along with the Recovery Act funding announced in August 2009 by the U.S. department of energy.

“Electric motors are the engines of the future,” Thomas G. Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Products Operations said.  “By designing and manufacturing electric motors in-house at Baltimore Transmission, we can more efficiently control the design, materials and production processes. It will also enable us to lower costs and improve performance, quality, reliability, and manufacturability of the electric motors we use in our vehicles.”

Stephens also emphasized the new technology’s strategic role in sustaining the country and Maryland’s economic growth.

“Electric motors are driving the next wave of automotive growth,” Stephens said. “The expansion of the Baltimore plant will generate a significant influx of money and jobs into the greater Baltimore area, creating U.S.-based manufacturing jobs.”

Baltimore transmission will employ almost 400 people, if we consider job retention and creation. The national employment statistic for the project, including immediate project jobs, manufacturing jobs and the impact on suppliers and local communities, brings the figure to 1700 jobs.