Jan 26, 2010 5:44 pm US/Eastern
GM To Make Electric Motors In White Marsh
WHITE MARSH, Md. (WJZ) ―
Going green could mean more jobs here in Maryland. Automaker GM announced plans Tuesday to build electric motors for cars and trucks.
Jessica Kartalija reports that's great news for Maryland's economy.
There are 200 employees who work at the GM plant in White Marsh; that number is about to double.
"Because of your talents, your skills, your hard work, your commitment to excellence, that enabled team Maryland to bring the next generation of green electric motors home for you," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
Another move to go green means more green for Maryland. General Motors announced plans to invest $246 million in the Allison Transmission Plant in White Marsh.
"We are ready to put a lot more energy in our batteries to make sure this plant is the most productive plant in the United States of America," said Senator Barbara Mikulski.
The money will go toward a new facility that will build electric motors to be used in hybrid and electric cars and trucks.
This is the first facility in the entire country to make electric motors.
"The expansion of this plant will generate a significant influx of income and jobs in the greater Baltimore area," said Thomas Stephens, the general manager for GM's global product operations.
Allison says 200 people will be added to their staff and the announcement ensures current employees' job security.
"Being a GM employee for as long as I have, this is excellent news. And as the congressman said, you went from having jobs that were potentially in Mexico to having jobs here in Maryland. What else can you say except that's good news?" said GM employee Chris Kirland.
The plant first went green by manufacturing hybrid transmissions.
"This is a big announcement for Maryland and potentially a big announcement for our country, because this is the next generation for electric drive motors for automobiles," O'Malley said.
In addition to the 200 new jobs created in White Marsh, GM estimates some 1,700 new jobs will be created nationwide.
GM will begin making the electric motors in White Marsh in 2013.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments