Contacts:
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2156
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Grant Will Off-Set Cost of Training, Ensure Growth & Development for GM-Janesville
JANESVILLE – Governor Jim Doyle today congratulated General Motors Corporation (GM) on building its 16-millionth vehicle at the Janesville plant and assured the company of his continued support for its growth and development. Governor Doyle announced the state will provide $5.4 million to General Motors Corporation to help offset the cost of training associated with the production and launch of a new line of sport-utility vehicles. This funding brings state investment in GM since Governor Doyle took office in 2003 to $10 million.
“For more than 80 years, GM’s Janesville plant has been producing quality vehicles, and providing good jobs for the people of Janesville, Rock County, and the State of Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “I appreciate the company’s strong presence in Wisconsin and its willingness to make lasting investments in the plant that increase its competitiveness and productivity. I am committed to building on the state’s long-term partnership with GM.”
“We’re excited to be recognizing this important milestone and congratulating the generations of dedicated employees who have built award-winning products for more than 80 years,” said UAW Local 95 President and Wisconsin State Representative, Mike Sheridan. “There are many in Wisconsin depending on the success of GM in Janesville and we’re looking forward to continuing our legacy with the next generation of full-size SUVs.”
“Janesville Assembly’s long-term future is in the hands of our work force and joint UAW/GM leadership and their continued commitment to building the highest-quality vehicles for our customers,” said GM Janesville Plant Manager, Gary Malkus. “Governor Doyle’s support and that of the State of Wisconsin ensures that we have the resources necessary to deliver on that commitment.”
In January of 2004, GM announced it would invest $175 million into Janesville Assembly for production of new full-size SUVs, known in the auto industry as the GMT900 series. The plant is currently in the middle of preparations for the launch of these new models. To encourage GM to make this investment in Wisconsin, Governor Doyle announced on January 28, 2004 that the state would provide the company with an incentive package, including a $2.6 million grant from the Department of Commerce, $1 million from the Department of Workforce Development, and $1 million from the Department of Administration to help with the cost of acquiring new, energy-efficient technology.
Janesville Assembly started production in 1923, initially building full-size Chevrolet automobiles. Today, the facility builds the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali XL, and the Isuzu/GM Low Cab Forward Medium-duty truck. In 2004, the plant produced 216,000 vehicles. There are approximately 3,800 employees at the facility.
