General Motors has announced plans to invest $888 million in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant to support the production of the sixth generation of its V-8 engines, used in full-size trucks and SUVs. This new generation of engines is expected to deliver stronger performance than today’s engines while benefitting fuel economy and reducing emissions. New combustion and thermal management innovations are a key factor driving these improvements.
GM has made strategic investments in its manufacturing facilities over the last 15 years. In January 2023, the company announced a 0.5 billion dollar investment in its Flint Engine plant for production of the sixth generation of V-8 engines — the the largest single investment the company has ever made in an engine plant. The new announcement makes Tonawanda the second GM propulsion plant to produce this new generation of engines.
Mary Barra, chair and CEO, said: “Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant shows our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the USA.”
The investment includes new machinery, equipment and tools, as well as facility renovations. Tara Wasik, plant director at Tonawanda, said: “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for our plant. For generations, our team has demonstrated its commitment to manufacturing excellence.”
Tonawanda Propulsion will continue to produce the fifth generation of GM’s V-8 engine while the plant prepares for the next generation’s start of production in 2027.