DMAX, Ltd. will invest $82 million at the DMAX plant for future Duramax diesel engine-related productivity improvements, creating approximately 150 jobs over the next three years at the joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu, dependent on state and local incentive approvals.
Less than a year ago, a $60 million investment was made at the plant to make design changes enabling the engines to meet future emissions requirements.
Established in 1998, DMAX has produced almost 1.7 million engines since opening in 2000. GM owns 60 percent and Isuzu owns 40 percent of the venture that makes the Duramax diesel for heavy-duty trucks. DMAX, Ltd. has invested $856 million in the DMAX facility since 2000.
“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.”
DMAX is home to the Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The current Duramax is SAE certified at 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb-ft of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm. All Duramax engines include a high-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions. The Duramax is also available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.
“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.
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.
About Isuzu
Founded in 1916, Isuzu Motors has the longest history of any Japanese vehicle manufacturer. During our years of operation, we have consistently focused on "creation without compromise" in the process of building Isuzu into the company it is today. And now we are boldly taking up the challenge of global leadership in commercial vehicles and diesel engines while maintaining our traditions.