$82 Million Duramax Plant Expansion Announced, Will Create 150 Jobs

DMAX, Ltd. will invest $82 million at the DMAX plant for future Duramax diesel engine-related productivity improvements. The investment will create approximately 150 jobs over the next three years at the joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu, dependning on state and local incentive approvals.

“This investment and job creation is a result of the hard work from our DMAX team and IUE-CWA Local 755, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment and dedication to building the best diesel engine possible for our customers,” said GM North America Manufacturing Manager Scott Whybrew. “The Duramax diesel’s performance is renowned in the industry, and these productivity improvements will allow us to become even more efficient in producing these world class engines.”

The large investment comes less than a year after the $60 million investment made in order to change the design of the engines so that they may meet future emissions requirements. Ownership of DMAX is a 60/40 split, with GM owning the bigger portion over Isuzu. Together GM and Isuzu have invested $865 million in the DMAX facility since 2000. And for good measure, as the plant produces the mighty Duramax 6.6L Diesel engine.

The renounced 6.6L Duramax powertrain sits under the hood of the popular and well-proven Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and is also available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. The diesel engine has a certified SAE rating of 397 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, giving these heavy duty trucks the ability to tow and haul with ease. Additionally, all Duramax engines are equipped with a high-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for improved performance, greater efficiency, and reduced emissions. As you can see, these investments have had impact on the advancement of this technology.

“It has been the successful partnership among GM, Isuzu and IUE-CWA Local 755 that continues to bring new investment dollars to our plant,” said Shinichi Suzuki, President, CEO and chief operating officer for DMAX.