GM plant begins production on new 3.6L, V-6 engine

On September 22, General Motors delivered on its 2004 promise to invest approximately $300 million in its Flint (Mich.) Engine South manufacturing plant, further strengthening a key GM manufacturing center and contributing to the state and local economy.

GM Flint South began production of the 3.6-liter, V-6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT), which is used in the 2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX and STS; Saturn Outlook; GMC Acadia and slated for the 2008 Buick Enclave.

The 3.6L, V-6 VVT is an all-aluminum, dual overhead camshaft engine with variable valve timing. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, fuel economy, emissions performance and exceptional smoothness.

“This investment further emphasizes one of the key points of the company’s turnaround plan – to keep raising the bar in the execution of great cars and trucks,” said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president of manufacturing. “These engines provide great performance and value to GM vehicles. I commend the Flint Engine South team and the UAW for their excellent performance and spirit of camaraderie. This team’s hard work and dedication makes this day possible.”

“GM’s investment in the Flint Engine South plant underscores its commitment to Michigan, to the UAW and to the Flint community,” said UAW vice president Cal Rapson. “The new 3.6L, V-6 engine being launched today is important to the future of GM and UAW Local 659 members who worked hard to make today’s launch a reality.”

“Through hard work and innovation, Michigan has been the automotive capital of the world for generations,” said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "GM’s latest investment in Flint will not only positively impact the local community and its citizens, it is also a critical investment in Michigan’s future as the leader of automotive research, design and production. I am thrilled that the state and the City of Flint could help make this plant expansion possible."

Construction at Flint Engine South began at the end of 2004 and added approximately 500,000 square feet to the existing 760,000 square-foot facility for the production of the V-6 engine. The plant, with approximately 600 employees, is represented by UAW Local 659.

The technical highlights of the engine include aluminum engine block and cylinder heads, and dual overhead cams with four valves per cylinder.

"GM has been a longstanding member of the Flint community, and this investment represents the company’s faith in the people of Flint and its renewed commitment to build great vehicles here in Michigan," said Flint Mayor Don Williamson.

“Employees at Flint Engine South strive to help GM make some of the best powertrains in the world. We are very proud to work on this new engine and help GM position itself as a leader in the global automotive industry,” said Steve Finch, plant manager.

GM Flint Engine South also produces the 4.2L I-6 engine, which is used in the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X.