GM invests $1 Billion in Warren Technical Center (with videos)

The multiyear project, which is driving new construction on the campus at the National Historic Landmark site, significant renovations of some existing facilities and expansion of some operations, begins this month with work continuing through 2018.

Above: a historic documentary re-released by General Motors

Under current plans, the investment will create approximately 2,600 new GM salaried jobs in core areas like product engineering, IT and design, all areas critical to support future business growth. GM’s Warren Technical Center is currently home to more than 19,000 employees.

B-Roll footage of the Technical Center

Investment highlights include:

• Construction of new Design studios
• Construction of a parking deck for Design employees
• Rebuilding and renovating some existing R&D facilities
• Construction of a multi-story IT building adjacent to the current Michigan IT Innovation Center and a new parking deck for Innovation Center employees
• Construction to accommodate additional testing areas at the Advanced Energy Center
• Extensive office upgrades including new carpet, paint, furniture, reconfiguration of miscellaneous work areas in most Tech Center buildings, improving the work environment for all campus functions, including the Vehicle Engineering Center or VEC.

In addition, GM previously announced $139.5 million for body shop and stamping facility upgrades at its Warren Pre-Production Operations, part of a $5.4 billion investment in U.S. plants announced April 30.

Initial construction on the 326-acre Tech Center began in 1949, and it opened in 1956. The campus was designed by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen and landscape architect Thomas Church.

It was named a National Historic Landmark in 2014 by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.

The Tech Center’s main fountain pumps 6,000 gallons of water per minute to create a 115-foot wide, 55-foot high wall of water.

Fourteen years earlier, in 2000, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1986, the American Institute of Architects honored the Tech Center as the most outstanding architectural project of its era.

Official Statements

“This is an investment in our people, our products, and, ultimately, our customers, to make the Tech Center a more advanced, more efficient and more collaborative workplace,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development and Purchasing and Supply Chain.

“Developing a new vehicle is a total team effort, and every facet of this project will make us a stronger team.”

“This is great news for Warren, the region and our state – it soundly demonstrates GM’s commitment to Michigan and our talented workforce, providing key jobs and career opportunities for today and tomorrow,” said Gov. Rick Snyder.

“This is why we’ve focused so hard on creating the competitive economic climate for this kind of investment in our state that will keep our comeback going strong, making Michigan the place to live, work, do business, and play.”

Said Warren Mayor Jim Fouts: “I am very excited about the investment in the GM Tech Center in Warren, which means more jobs and new revenue for police and fire services. This growth has already resulted in proposals for new investments in our downtown, which is directly across the street from the Tech Center.”

(Source: General Motors)