GM investing $200M in powertrain engineering

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

General Motors announced that it will be expanding its Global Powertrain Engineering Headquarters in Pontiac, MI at a cost of $200 million in order to consolidate operations and streamline the development of next-generation powertrains for electric, fuel cell and hybrid vehicles. At 450,000 square feet, this facility is already one of the biggest of its kind in the world, and GM is adding an extra 138,000 sq-ft to combine the resources at four engineering and R&D facilities currently spread out across the country into the single location.

The work is expected to be completed during the second half of next year, and it should help GM reduce its development time for future powertrains. Currently, powertrain engineers are spread out from New York to California, but this will put them all under the same roof - so to speak. Global Powertrain Engineering Headquarters is also responsible for development of the heavy-duty transmission used in GM's fullsize pickups. This is all part of GM's plan to invest more than $1.5 billion in its North American facilities this year, and it will help create 400 new jobs in Pontiac (likely just transfers from the other cities) and cut three leased facilities.

Another aspect of this powertrain consolidation is that the Performance Build Center, which allows Chevrolet Corvette buyers to assemble their own engines, will be moving from Wixom, MI to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant where the 'Vette is produced.

GM's press release is posted after the jump.

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General Motors dedicates new powertrain engineering center

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of GM's new powertrain facility

General Motors dedicated its new Powertrain Engineering Development Center in Pontiac, MI on Friday. On hand were CEO Rick Wagoner, Powertrain EVP Tom Stephens and the usual array of elected officials trumpeting their involvement in making the new facility happen. Prior to the speech making and pushing of the ceremonial start-up button, we got a tour of the new 450,000 square foot facility that GM proclaims as the largest, most advanced powertrain development center in the world.

VP of powertrain engineering Dan Hancock explained that the center will be responsible for developing the systems that comprise GM's advanced propulsion strategy. GM is consolidating powertrain development operations from four facilities in Southeast Michigan at this new Pontiac location. When the 1,200 relocating staff have moved in there will be 4,300 staff on site. GM is using new systems being implemented to move forward with its Road to Lab to Math (RLM) strategy that will help reduce engineering development costs. The center will lead development of all manner of future GM powertrains from new gas and diesel engines to hybrid systems and the E-Flex system that will power the Volt. Read on to learn about some of the new systems GM is putting in place to help improve its powertrains.

Gallery: General Motors Powertrain Engineering Center

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors dedicates new powertrain engineering center

General Motors dedicates new powertrain engineering center originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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