In an effort to ramp-up productivity, General Motors and Isuzu are investing $82 million at their Duramax diesel engine plant in Moraine, Ohio. Dependent on state and local incentive approvals, the investment is expected to create an estimated 150 jobs.
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.
Since opening in 2000, the Duramax plant, or DMAX as it’s officially known, has produced nearly 1.7 million engines. GM owns 60 percent and Isuzu owns 40 percent of DMAX, which produces diesel engines for heavy-duty trucks and vans. 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,” says Scott Whybrew, GM North America manufacturing manager. “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 at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. All Duramax engines include a high-pressure, 30,000 psi 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,” says Shinichi Suzuki, President, CEO and chief operating officer for DMAX.