Across MidMichigan, automotive anxiety has been the attitude for several months. That changed Friday morning with an announcement of electric vehicle components being manufactured by the Bay City General Motors Powertrain Plant.
Todd McDaniel, chairperson for UAW Local 362 says, "It is a very, very nice change of pace. I could definitely get used to it."
Plant manager Dan Ryon says, "We've hit the bottom of the valley. We're moving back up."
Bay City Powertrain will produce a connector rod and cam shafts for the Chevy Volt and Cruise.
For worried workers, it's a shot of confidence, knowing General Motors has faith in their abilities.
Worker Jim Davenport says, "I've been pretty optimistic about everything. They offered the buyouts and stuff. You have opportunities to leave if you're afraid of that, and I never thought about that."
Workers are thanking taxpayers for the money loaned to General Motors to keep it operating long enough to get the new work.
Worker Matt Laleman says, "A lot of people were upset about it, but this is a direct result of them getting the money. It's going to help all of us, which helps our community."
The electric vehicle concept isn't futuristic like George Jetson anymore. It's here and now in Bay City. The city has two electric charging stations. Each cost $300 to install, but cost drivers nothing to plug in.
General Motors will invest $37 million for the project, which will start in December of 2010.
Laleman says, "We're real excited. I'm happier than you wouldn't believe to know we have work and keeping our jobs here."
It's a changing attitude for local workers. It's confidence rather than concessions, and a focus on the future rather than fear.
Bay City Powertrain employs around 300 workers.
The new components will be made by 32 production workers and eight skilled trade workers.
The operation will take up 34,000 square feet of the plant's available one million square feet.
