The automaker is transforming its manufacturing footprint as it prepares for an all-electric future
November 18, 2022
DETROIT—General Motors is planning to invest $45 million at its Bedford, Indiana, aluminum die casting foundry to expand the facility’s production capacity for EV drive unit castings. The capacity expansion is intended to support the anticipated strong demand for the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV full-size pickups, the automaker said in a release.
In December 2021, GM announced a more than $51 million investment at Bedford to install new, state-of-the-art equipment. That equipment supports drive unit castings production for the Chevrolet Silverado EV and various other casting applications, GM said.
Last year, the 1 million-square-foot site began producing electric drive unit castings that have been used in the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup. The Bedford plant’s flexibility enables casting production to support both traditional and EV components, the company said.
An electric drive unit for GM’s Ultium-based vehicles. (Photo courtesy General Motors)
“Our Bedford operation is one of the leading aluminum die casting facilities in the world, and this additional investment is really an investment in the Bedford team and their commitment to excellence,” said Phil Kienle, GM vice president of North America manufacturing and labor relations, in a statement. “This investment helps build job security for our Bedford team for years to come as we continue to prepare our entire manufacturing footprint for an all-electric future.”
General Motors’ Bedford plant opened in 1942 and is a leader in aluminum die casting capabilities. The site’s nearly 680 hourly and salaried workers manage die casting processes that produce cylinder blocks, transmission cases, structural components, and drive unit housings used in Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles, the company said.
A worker at GM’s Bedford Casting Operations in Indiana on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. General Motors announced it will invest $45 million to expand capacity for electric vehicle drive unit castings. (Photo courtesy General Motors)
“UAW commends the announcement of this investment which recognizes the contribution of UAW Local 440 members,” said Ray Curry, UAW president, in a statement. “Their skill, training, and craftsmanship contribute to the success of this facility, and this investment highlights the role they will play in GM’s future EV growth.”
Since 2011, GM has reportedly invested more than $456 million in Bedford Casting Operations.
“We are thrilled that General Motors is making additional investments in Bedford that further help job security and the future for Hoosiers and their families,” said Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in a statement. “GM’s commitment and footprint in Indiana contributes to our state’s manufacturing strength and bright future for mobility.”
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