Thanks to a recent $30 million investment from General Motors, the company’s Pontiac (Mich.) Stamping Plant will soon become a regional center for supplying parts to nearby GM manufacturing facilities, including Michigan’s Orion Assembly—which will be producing the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano.
According to Westfield Buick Dealer, the money will be used to both upgrade current presses and install additional units as part of a GM consolidation project aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
It’s an important recognition of the impressive work done at Pontiac Stamping, according the the facility’s plant manager, Alicia Boler-Davis: “This investment is the result of the employee’s commitment to quality and how they work as a team to support their customers.”
The Sonic is Chevy’s fuel-efficient new subcompact, which will be available this summer at dealers like Miami GMC Dealers as both a bold and versatile five-door hatchback and a distinctively designed sedan, each offering a choice of two power-dense, Ecotec I4 engines. Owners also can expect a surprisingly detailed interior with plenty of versatility for carrying people or cargo. The Verano, Buick’s first entry in the growing compact luxury segment, will become the brand’s third all-new model in the past two years. With cutting-edge technologies, a luxurious interior, and refined and responsive performance, the sculpted sedan is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of the year.
“GM continues to invest in our manufacturing operations to ensure we have the technology and equipment we need to build whatever our vehicle designers develop,” said Gerald Johnson, GM manufacturing manager. “Orion Assembly is the primary customer for Pontiac Stamping and we know how important the launches of the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano are to our customers.”