GM said the investment will include enhancements to the plant’s conveyors and other tooling to support the increased production — specifically crew cab models. Work is expected to be completed this summer.
The company declined to say how much the spending is expected to increase production at the plant, which has received $1.2 billion in investments since 2015.
Barra said sales of the crew cab models are “very strong,” but overall sales for both pickups are estimated to be down through the first four months of the year — largely because of the ramp-up and launch preparation of the heavy – duty models.
GM says combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab pickups were up 20 percent in the first quarter vs. a year ago. The company predicts another significant increase for the second quarter.