GM invests $760M in Toledo plant to build EV drive systems

TOLEDO — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown joined Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, plant workers, General Motors and United Auto Workers officials Friday to announce a $760 million investment in Toledo's transmission plant.

Formerly known as GM Powertrain Toledo Transmission Operations, officials announced that the 2.8 million-square-foot Northwest Toledo manufacturer was renamed GM Toledo Propulsion Systems Facility, and will begin producing drive units for new, all electric vehicles as early as the fall of 2023. The new units will be produced simultaneously with internal combustion engine transmissions, said Gerald Johnson, executive vice president for Global Manufacturing and Sustainability at GM.

"Tomorrow's changing," said Johnson, who praised the efforts of the plant's UAW Local 14 workers and officials in motivating GM's large investment and sustained commitment to the plant and the Toledo community. Johnson noted that the plant had been a part of Toledo's history and economy for more than100 years and that the labors of those assembled were vital.

'Look for another 100 years'

"Let's look for another 100 years in the future," Johnson said. "Well done, Toledo."

Stepping up to the lectern, DeWine said the day's announcement was a testament to the skills of the factory's workers.

"What this announcement means today is that the work is going to continue," Dewine said. "Ohio workers will build the cars and trucks of the future."

Ray Curry, UAW president and director of the GM and Gaming Division, applauded the factory team and detailed that the new drive systems produced at the plant will initially be those used to power the company's all-electric Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks.

Wayne Blanchard, UAW Region 2B director, said that the Toledo plant is the first of GM's manufacturing plants the company has invested in to begin producing the all-electric drive systems. He noted that GM had announced last week an investment of $491 million in its Marion metal stamping plant.

'Three quarters of a billion dollars sounds even better'

'This is groundbreaking," Blanchard said. "Three quarters of a billion dollars sounds even better than a half billion, here in Toledo.

"This is your day," Blanchard told the assembled workers. "You deserve it. Keep up the good work."

Kapszukiewicz told the crowd that GM, being the largest auto manufacturer in the country and one of the 20 largest manufacturers, could have chosen to locate their investment in any part of the U.S. or abroad, but chose Toledo.

"They could have done this anywhere," the mayor said, but added, "Toledo has built America. They've chosen us to walk hand-in-hand with them into the future."

Kapszukiewicz said that the often juxtaposed concepts of job creation, environmental responsibility, high wages and sustainability can all be successfully brought together, to achieve what Toledo has.

"You never, ever bet against the American auto industry and GM union workers," Brown said when he addressed the audience, noting that government efforts on behalf of industry in the Midwest have begun to turn around the practice of shipping jobs overseas and closing domestic manufacturing facilities.

Burying the term 'Rust Belt'

"We're finally burying the term, 'Rust Belt,'" said Brown. "When you love this country, you fight for workers."

"I have heartfelt feelings for what's going on here," echoed Kaptur, who grew up in Toledo. "General Motors never gave up on Toledo and neither did the United Auto Workers.

"It makes me somewhat emotional," said Kaptur of the successes of those who persevered. "You're going to make it even greater in the years to come."

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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: GM invests $760M in Toledo plant to build EV propulsion systems