2009-11-09 16:45:02 - - Re-tooling project will add 40,000 units of production annually- Recalling approximately 150 additional employees

OSHAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/09/09 -- To meet strong current and future market demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, CAMI Automotive is investing $C90 million for a substantial project that includes the re-tooling of the facility's West Body Shop resulting in increased capacity and the recall of approximately 150 employees.



"Proudly built in Canada at CAMI, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are two of GM's hottest selling products," says Arturo Elias, president, GM Canada. "This investment is an excellent example of what happens when you get the product right. If the product is right, everything else follows - increased production, increased employment and strong market demand."



"As a major partner in the restructuring of the automotive industry over the past year, I am very encouraged by this investment," said The Honorable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. "As a result of the high demand for the Equinox and Terrain, approximately 450 workers have returned to or will start new jobs at the plant. This is great news for CAMI, great news for Ingersoll and for Canada."



"Ontario is a world leader in automotive production and assembly, thanks to our highly skilled workforce and culture of innovation," said The Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade. "We applaud the investment made today by CAMI Automotive, and we congratulate the CAMI and GMCL teams, as they continue to contribute to our province's success."



The $C90 million will be used to re-tool CAMI's West Body Shop and other renovations to increase production of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. The planning and retooling work will begin immediately and the project is anticipated to be completed in approximately seven months.



The added capacity from this investment will result in the production an additional 40,000 vehicles annually for the Canadian and US markets.



As a result of the increased capacity from the retooling, approximately 150 laid off employees will be recalled for work. This is an additional recall, over and above the more than 300 employees recalled with the reinstatement of the third shift in October. As a result of this recall, CAMI will have no remaining employees on layoff.



General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is headquartered in Oshawa Ontario and employs 9,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through dealerships and retailers across Canada.

Contacts:
GM Canada
Adria MacKenzie
905-644-1824
905-442-6555 cell

GM Canada
Stew Low
905-644-6786
416-254-4224 cell