GM Announces New Stamping Plant In Lansing

In the shadow of a government bailout and bankruptcy came a massive onslaught of General Motors recalls. Even with the dark clouds looming over head, GM gave Lansing some welcomed news, announcing that production of the Chevy Camaro would be moved to Lansing's Grand River Assembly Plant, already making the popular Cadillac models ATS and CTS. More good news came with the announcement of a supplier's plans to build a facility in Clinton County, bringing with it 420 new jobs. Now, the automaker has announced a new $174 million stamping plant in Lansing, that is expected to produce components for the CTS and ATS lines already being assembled here.

This news comes less than two days after GM announced a three week shut down of LGR. The automaker officially cited the need to adjust to supply and demand for the temporary stoppage. Both models saw steep sales drops in the month of June; CTS down 10 percent, ATS down a whopping 32 percent.

Being a lifelong Lansing Area resident, the good news-bad news roller coaster is eerily similar to the ups-and-downs GM portrayed to the region in the late 90's and early 21st Century. After announcing that the Oldsmobile Alero would be made in Lansing, GM also said that once its 5 year run was up, production in Lansing could cease completely. When the Oldsmobile brand was phased out, it seemed that the scary reality that Flint and Saginaw had to face might be staring down Mid-Michigan. But, a fantastic campaign called Lansing Works! came to the rescue. It was a pitch to GM that convinced them that Lansing has the best damn auto workers in the world, and leaving Lansing behind in their plans would be of great detriment to both the automaker and the region. The resulting commitment from GM to build the Lansing Delta Township and Lansing Grand River Assembly Plants signaled a new commitment to our hardworking ways in Mid-Michigan. Don't think for a second that the words of Lansing Works! doesn't continue to ring with GM brass, despite the ups and downs.