News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today released the following statements following General Motors' (GM) announcement that it will make a $335 million investment in its Toledo (Lucas County) Powertrain facility where it will add production of six-speed transmissions; and a $67.8 million investment in its Defiance (Defiance County) Casting facility where the company plans to expand engine block capacity. The projects will result in the retention of 1,350 jobs in Defiance and 1,600 jobs in Toledo, where 600 employees will begin production of a new, front wheel six-speed transmission.

"General Motors' continued investment in its Ohio manufacturing facilities is good news for Ohio workers and a testament to the great value of our highly skilled workforce," said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. "I commend the UAW, GM and Ohio's leaders on the federal, state, county and local levels for helping to provide the competitive climate to support these investments."

"We are pleased that GM will expand production in Toledo and Defiance, a total investment of more than $400 million to retain 2,950 Ohio jobs. GM's continued investment in these quality facilities demonstrates its dedication to Ohio and our workforce," said Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Advanced manufacturing projects are key to the success of Ohio's auto industry and we look forward to continued partnerships to further strengthen our competitiveness in industries that are experiencing dynamic change."

Ohio's automotive industry:

• Ohio is 2nd in the nation in motor vehicle production.
• Ohio is the largest exporter of automotive goods.
• Ohio is 1st in the nation for the number of automotive suppliers.

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Media contacts: Maria Smith at (614) 466-2382 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 466-2609