Spring Hill, Tenn. (August 27, 2014) – Today, in a victory for Tennessee’s workers and families, UAW International Union and Local 1853 joined with General Motors executives to announce the Cadillac SRX as one of two future mid-size vehicles set for manufacturing at the Spring Hill plant, as well as a $191 million investment at the Spring Hill Complex for a new Small Gas Engine (SGE) program. Today’s news means that GM will retain 415 jobs at the Spring Hill facility.
“GM’s investment today is a huge testament to its confidence in Spring Hill’s workers, and is a great example of the economic opportunities we’ve been able to create here in Tennessee as a result of the collective bargaining process,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada. “Today’s announcement is proof we can achieve great things when workers have a seat at the table and the chance to share their ideas for how to constantly improve the products we manufacture. It’s great to see our union continue to grow, but even greater to see how the people of Tennessee will benefit from these good jobs. I’m proud to stand here with UAW autoworkers and our colleagues from GM who worked together to make this huge victory for Spring Hill a reality.”
The GM plant in Spring Hill currently employs 1,575 workers who construct engines, stamping, and molding for GM vehicles. After the plant was idled in 2009, it was a priority of the UAW to see it reopened in 2011, when UAW members used the power of collective bargaining to bring these jobs back to the local community.
“I’m proud of our workers here in Spring Hill, and excited about these new investments that will allow us to continue growing and producing quality automobile parts here in Tennessee,” said UAW Region 8 Director Ray Curry. “These expansions are a clear sign of the hard work and dedication of the members of UAW Local 1853 and the strong relationship the UAW and GM have built. When workers are allowed to have a seat at the collective bargaining table, we are best positioned to make quality products and bring more jobs into our communities.”
Also Wednesday, UAW and GM announced that GM will invest $49.7 million at the Bedford, Ind., Castings Plan for SGE components, resulting in the creation or retention of 43 jobs.