SPRING HILL, Tenn. - General Motors has begun manufacturing a new Ecotec 2.5L automobile engine at its Spring Hill plant.
Production began Wednesday at a ceremony at the former Saturn auto assembly plant, about 30 miles south of Nashville.
"This plant is much more than just a key part of GM's global manufacturing organization. It's also a big part of the local community," said GM Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones. "That's why it's so important that by the time it ramps up to full production this plant will provide about 450 quality jobs for the Spring Hill community."
GM says the engine will initially power the redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan. The same power plant will eventually be used in a variety of General Motors vehicles.
"We're really proud they're building the engine here. It's world class," said Tim Stannard with the United Auto Workers Union. "Jobs are going be back in Spring Hill. Young people are going be in the plant. It's this new life, new blood. We're very excited and proud."
The company said the production is part of its $460 million investment at the plant.
(The Associated Press Contributed To This Report.)
