GM Invests $356 Million in Flint, Saginaw and Grand Rapids Engine/Component Operations

GM investment announcements 

in U.S. facilities top $7 billion in 2015

FLINT, Mich. – General Motors will invest more than $356 million in a new engine line in Flint and driveline and powertrain components in Saginaw and Grand Rapids, creating more than 50 jobs and helping to retain nearly 500 positions.
 
The Michigan investment announcements come on the same day as an amended agreement between GM and the Michigan Strategic Fund under the Michigan Economic 
Growth Authority (MEGA) tax credit program. As part of the amended agreement, which was approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund today, GM will invest $1 billion in Michigan by 2030. Today’s announced investment of $356.35 million represents more than one-third of that amount. 
 
Since 2009, GM has made investment commitments in Michigan of more than $9 billion.  During this time period, GM has far exceeded its original investment commitment under the MEGA Agreement. GM’s substantial investment in Michigan and the corresponding job growth and retention has contributed Michigan’s economic success since 2009.
 
“The agreement with GM on MEGA credits helps Michigan’s budget forecast. And today’s announcement that it is investing in Saginaw, Flint and Grand Rapids proves the company wants to retain a strong presence in Michigan,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. 

“The fact that GM is committing to invest $1 billion by 2030 here is even better news. It’s a globally competitive environment, and GM’s announcement shows it appreciates that Michigan is a Comeback State with a skilled work force and exciting expansion opportunities.”
 
Today’s announcement includes:
•    Flint Engine Operations: $263 million for a future engine program. The investment retains approximately 410 hourly and salaried jobs at the plant.
•    Saginaw Metal Casting Operations: $50 million for driveline components. The investment retains 68 jobs.
•    Grand Rapids Component Holdings: $43.35 million for powertrain components. The investment creates 55 and retains 15 jobs.
 
“These investments will better position GM and its work force to produce high quality engines and components for customers who demand greater fuel efficiency and performance from our vehicles,’ said Bill Shaw, GM North America Manufacturing Manager.
 
Details pertaining to the engine programs and associated vehicles will be released at a later date.
 
 “The membership and leadership of Region 1-D are excited about this investment in our area and our work force,” said UAW Region 1-D Director Gerald Kariem. “These investments were earned with the quality and skill our membership brings to their jobs every day, and we appreciate GM giving us the opportunity to continue to prove the UAW work force is world class. Congratulations, GM and UAW Locals 659, 668 and 167.”
 
Today’s announcement raises GM’s announced U.S.-facility investment in 2015 to $7.1 billion, including $353.4 million announced recently in four other states:
•    Bedford, Ind.: $127.4 million for engine components
•    Bowling Green, Ky.: $44 million for increase engine capacity
•    D-Max/Moraine, Ohio: $82 million for productivity improvements
•    Defiance, Ohio: $100 million for engine components
 
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com 

Wind Energy to Power GM’s Texas Assembly Plant

 Renewable power will be used to build up to 125,000 trucks a year

Arlington Assembly produces more than 1,200 vehicles daily, including the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe; GMC Yukon and Yukon XL; and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV. The 115 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy will be enough to manufacture more than half of the plant’s annual vehicle output.

GM signed a power purchase agreement with EDP Renewables North America, a fully owned subsidiary of EDP Renovaveis, for its first U.S. wind power – 30 MW of energy from the planned 250 MW Hidalgo Wind Farm in Edinburg, Texas. Fifteen of the wind farm’s 261-foot-tall turbines will generate the energy GM will use. 

Arlington Assembly expects to start using the clean power during the fourth quarter of 2016, avoiding about $2.8 million in energy costs annually. Over the course of the 14-year deal, GM will avoid more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions – equivalent to the emissions of 112 million gallons of gasoline consumed.

“Our investment is helping accelerate the proliferation of clean energy in Texas and the use of wind as a reliable, renewable source of energy,” said Jim DeLuca, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. “Our sustainable manufacturing mindset benefits the communities in which we operate across the globe.” 

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with General Motors and look forward to providing clean and more economical energy for GM’s Arlington Assembly plant in the coming years,” said EDP Renewables North America CEO Gabriel Alonso.

Renewable energy complements a robust energy efficiency program at the plant. Arlington Assembly recently met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Industry by reducing the energy intensity of its operations by 10 percent in five years – the second time it met the challenge. Arlington Assembly also is investing in a new paint shop that will use half the energy of the system it will replace. 

Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, wind energy will help power three GM Mexico facilities. Once on line, the company will exceed its commitment to use 125 MW of renewable energy by 2020. GM’s investments in renewable energy to date have yielded nearly $80 million in savings.

For more information on GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability report and environmental blog.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

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Knapheide - We Build The Best

Since its humble beginnings in 1848, The Knapheide Manufacturing Company has continually worked to improve its processes and manufacturing capabilities.  Due to this commitment of continual improvement, Knapheide stands today with the most highly automated and technologically advanced equipment and processes in the industry. Knapheide's Westphalia facility houses the majority of our manufacturing processes.  The Westphalia plant was completed in 1997 and covers a staggering 480,000 square feet.

A recent highlight in the continuing history of The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is the company receiving ISO 9001:2008 certification.  ISO is a quality management system that is recognized globally.  While the core of this certification is focused on product quality, Knapheide took the process a step further and utilized the processes to improve virtually every area of the company from how orders are received and processed to the shipping of the product to the end customer.

People

Our dedicated manufacturing employees are a huge asset to our company, and receive on-going training for continuous improvement.  Knapheide delights in the fact that many of its employees are multi-generational and have a long tenure with the company.   Knapheide’s training program for its welding operations is second to none. Six AWS certified CWI and CWE’s conduct a forty hour program that all welders must complete prior to joining the assembly team.  Of its team of welders, over 100 are AWS certified.

Raw Materials

Over its history, Knapheide has strategically aligned itself with leading raw material suppliers and has developed long term relationships with them that mutually benefit both sides of the partnerships.   As a result of these partnerships, cutting edge supply chain processes have been developed that cuts down lead times, enhances the quality of the products, and helps to control costs.  This enables Knapheide to continue to provide to its customers the highest quality and superior end products available in the industry.  Some of our most common raw materials include:

    A40 Galvanized Automotive Quality Steel
    Hot Rolled Steel
    Cold Rolled Steel
    Tread Plate
    Wood
    Automotive Quality Finishing Products

Fabrication Equipment and Machinery

As Knapheide has evolved over the last 164 years, so has the technology in equipment and machinery.  Knapheide continues to cultivate a long term strategic alignment with The Amada Company to continually update and modernize its fabrication capabilities.  This allows Knapheide to remain the most efficient and technologically advanced company in the industry.  Knapheide utilizes the following machinery and equipment within our manufacturing facilities:

    CNC Shears
    Plasma Cutters
    Laser Cutters
    CNC Turret Punches
    CNC Press Brake
    Roll Formers
    Automated Steel Processing Cells

Assembly Process

After all of the engineering and fabrication of the prime unit parts is complete, the assembly process begins.  Knapheide’s assembly procedures and multiple progressive lines allow them to be very flexible, highly efficient, and produce the highest quality product in the industry.  Knapheide has a large offering of catalog products that is quickly available and meets a large portion of our customers needs. However, while most of the industry shy’s away from custom built products, the Knapheide Company prides itself in its ability to build product that is designed to meet specific customer requirements and needs.  Rather than limit the product available to their customers to standard product, Knapheide’s motto is “Dream it, and we will build it”.  Some of the assembly processes include:

    MIG & Resistance Welding
    Automated Robotic MIG & Resistance Welding
    Flexible Product Assembly Lines & Processes

Finishing

The flagship of our manufacturing process is our automated “K-Coat” finishing system.  K-coat is a highly efficient electro-deposition coating process that is widely used in the automotive industry.  Through this process, Knapheide is proud to offer its customers the highest quality corrosion resistant coating available.

    Automotive Quality E-Coat System
    Automotive Quality Undercoating
    Automotive Quality Finish Paint

For over 166 years, Knapheide has always been a leader through our manufacturing superiority in the industries we serve.  With the ISO 9001:2008 certification, this is a new starting point for us as we meet our customer’s expectations into the 21st century.


Find out more at http://www.knapheide.com/

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2017 GMC Canyon Denali: Now even More Tech, Chrome, Leather & Bigger Wheels

( http://www.TFLtruck.com ) The 2017 GMC Canyon Denali pickup truck is moving up market with this top end Denali edition. The Canyon Denali is differentiated by 20-inch Aluminum wheels, chrome grille, and lower front facia, chrome side-steps, and a polished exhaust tip.

2016 GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY 3500 / 4500

New for 2016:
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Optional GMC IntelliLink with navigation radio
•    OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot
•    Six standard air bags: frontal, side curtain and seat-mounted thorax (models under 10,000 pounds GVWR) 
•    Optional 220-amp generator

2016 GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY ENABLES EASY UPFITS FOR EVERY JOB

The GMC Savana Cutaway van is known for versatility, flexibility and durability, offering of its three available wheelbases, single or dual rear wheels and three engine choices – including the powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel.

For 2016, the Savana Cutaway features a single rear wheel 9,900-pound GVWR (4,490 kg) on 139- and 159-inch wheelbase chassis, and an optional 10,100-pound (4,581 kg) GVWR. Dual-rear-wheel models start at 10,050 pounds (4,559 kg) GVWR and extend to 12,300 pounds (5,591 kg) GVWR. They are available on 139-, 159- and 177-inch wheelbase chassis. 

Also offered on the dual-rear-wheel are 4500 models that have a 14,200-pound (6,441 kg) GVWR, available with the 159- and 177-inch wheelbase chassis.

New for 2016 is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected all the time. The hotspot allows passengers to connect up to seven personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets to high-speed wireless Internet whenever the vehicle is on.

Also new is an available navigation radio with the GMC IntelliLink infotainment system. Additional highlights:
•    4.8L and 6.0L gas V-8s with six-speed automatic transmission
•    Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 with six-speed automatic transmission
•    Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock
•    Available locking rear differential (standard with YF2-code ambulance package)
•    110-volt outlet on the instrument panel
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Available 220-amp generator.

Special-equipment packages also are available for ambulance, RV, shuttle bus and school bus construction.

Savana exterior features:
•    A chrome appearance package including a chrome front bumper and a chrome grille with dual composite headlamps is available. Black-painted bumper is standard
•    Heavy-duty light-emitting diode flashers are standard
•    Heated and power-adjustable outside folding mirrors are available on 3500 models
•    Wide-stance sail-panel-mounted outside mirrors are available
•    Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard
•    Exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Onyx Black, Emerald Green Metallic, Summit White, Cardinal Red, Wheatland Yellow, and Bronze Alloy Metallic.

Savana interior features:
•    Air conditioning is standard (air conditioning delete is available)
•    Cruise control, power windows and power locks are available
•    A standard digital radio including AM/FM/MP3 capability
•    A range of optional audio systems, including, USB port, CD and navigation is available on all models. An audio system provision package is available
•    SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available
•    Driver information center is standard on all models
•    Brake warning indicator is available
•    Two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets located on the dash are standard
•    110-volt outlet standard on dash
•    Side cut keys
•    Leather-wrapped steering wheel is available
•    Remote keyless entry is available
•    Remote vehicle starter system is available.

Savana powertrains: 6.6L Duramax diesel
The powerful Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is offered in Savana Cutaway, delivering best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb-ft of torque (711 Nm).


The LGH Duramax employs a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns about the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder. 

Savana Cutaway also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, thanks to the Duramax’s microprocessor-controlled glow plugs, which are capable of a gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 o C), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul. It is also backed with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
(Certain commercial and government fleet customers receive the 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty.)

A fuel-operated heater is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. This seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Savana chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and engine use. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

The Duramax engine is backed by GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L90 heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission featuring Tow/Haul mode.


Gas engines
A 4.8L V-8 is standard on 3500 models and generates 285 horsepower (212 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (398 Nm), while a 6.0L V-8, available in a flex fuel configuration, is standard on 4500 models and available on other models. It is rated at 342 horsepower (255 kW) and 373 lb-ft of torque (506 Nm).

Each is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family and designed for quiet operation, including:
•    Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts
•    Full-floating piston pins
•    Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)
•    Timing chain tensioner
•    Quieter alternator.

Backing the engines’ quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The engines are mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.

Additional powertrain special features include:
•    Dual 145-amp alternators are on Duramax-equipped models
•    diesel engine
•    220-amp alternators are available
•    600-CCA battery is standard with 6.0L engine; 770-CCA battery is available
•    Dual heavy-duty 770-CCA batteries are standard with Duramax-equipped models
•    Fuel-operated auxiliary heat generator is available with Duramax-equipped models
•    Cold-climate package with engine block heater is available on all models
•    High-idle switch for greater accessory performance at a job site is available on all models
•    Oil life monitor is standard on all models
•    Transmission cooler is standard on all models.

Chassis and suspension
Cutaway models are built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. Varying frame sections support the 139-inch, 159-inch and 177-inch wheelbases. Soft-mount body-mount “donuts” and bolts, which attach upfit bodies to the chassis, are available on all models.

All Cutaway models feature an independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel anti-lock. At the rear is a hypoid drive axle and multi-leaf springs.

Additional chassis and suspension features include:
•    A locking rear differential is available on all models
•    Axle ratios include: 3.42, 3.54, 3.73 and 4.10.

Savana safety and crash-avoidance features
Savana is equipped with a host of safety features, including six standard air bags: frontal, head and side curtain, and thoracic air bags, which provide a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover.