General Motors Invests $1.4 Billion for Arlington Plant Upgrades

General Motors-Arlington-Texas
AW Local 276 worker Everett Glen Wilson is completing visual inspections on the Customer Acceptance Review Evaluation line at the Arlington Assembly in Arlington, Texas. © General Motors

In its largest single plant investment in the U.S. this year, General Motors has announced $1.4 billion for a range of improvements to its Arlington Assembly Plant to more competitively produce high-quality full-size SUVs.

The investment allows the plant to be reconfigured with a new paint shop, body shop and general assembly area upgrades. Construction is expected to begin this summer and take approximately three years to complete. Production schedules for Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Yukon XLs and Cadillac Escalades will be unaffected by the construction.

The investment, which includes raising the total minimum number of employees at the plant to 3,179 and 1.2 million square feet of plant expansion, will allow the Arlington Assembly Plant to continue to competitively produce high-quality, full-size SUVs.

“This super-sized investment reflects GM’s commitment to our full-size SUV customers who expect nothing but the absolute best from us and their vehicles,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations vice president at the announcement. “Today’s investment will contribute to Arlington Assembly’s winning tradition marked by strong customer focus, innovative thinking and teamwork.”

Since 2011, GM has invested nearly $2 billion in manufacturing improvements at Arlington Assembly including today’s announcement, the launch of the current full-size SUVs and a new stamping plant.

General Motors is one of the biggest employers in Arlington and North Texas and is a key part of the City’s economic foundation. To support GM’s expansion, Arlington created a reinvestment zone and authorized a tax abatement of 80% over 10 years.

“I have seen first-hand the success that is possible for a city when GM supports the communities where they work and live,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “The city of Arlington has benefited tremendously from the strong business and foundational support from GM. This new investment in Arlington solidifies its continued stewardship and commitment to our community.”

This has been a big year for the more than 60-year-old assembly plant. Arlington Assembly celebrated its 10 millionth vehicle build, hosted GM’s Board of Directors and provided $100,000 in GM Foundation grants to local community organizations. Meanwhile, the UAW-GM team continues to work regular overtime in the only GM plant to make award-winning full-size SUVs for Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac customers globally.

The July 14 announcement is a part of the $5.4 billion GM announced it would invest in U.S. manufacturing over the next three years. Approximately $4.5 billion of the $5.4 billion has been identified, leaving about $900 million to be announced by year end.

Since June 2009, GM has announced U.S. facility investment of approximately $17.8 billion. About $12.4 billion of that has come since the 2011 UAW-GM National Agreement. In total, these investments have created 6,250 new jobs and secured the positions of approximately 20,700 others.

The General Motors plant in Arlington opened in 1954 and employed 1,850 people. It is the largest car manufacturing facility in Texas.