GM to invest $129 million in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan plants

General Motors Powertrain plants in Ohio and Indiana that make transmissions for Buick and Chevrolet models with eAssist fuel-saving technology will get the bulk of a $129 million investment GM announced July 12.

The money is part of $2 billion being invested in 17 facilities in eight states over the next 18 months and will create or retain 4,000 jobs.

For plants in Toledo, Ohio, and Bedford, Ind., it is a second helping of investment since May, bringing total investment at the plants to $287 million and $81 million respectively.

Toledo, which earlier was targeted for a $204 investment, will get an additional $83 million for enhancements to a six-speed transmission already produced in the plant that will be used in the Buick Lacrosse beginning this fall and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu debuting early next year. The new money will support addition or retention of 30 jobs at the plant that employs about 1,600.

Bedford, which earlier was named for a $49 million investment, is receiving $32 million for enhancements to the die-cast case and torque converter on the six-speed transmission assembled in Toledo. Bedford's employment of 405 is unchanged by the new investment.

Separately, an investment of $15 million to $20 million is planned that will retain 60 jobs at the GM Components Holding plant in Wyoming, Mich. The investment will support various powertrain projects.