GM, LG Energy Solution to invest $6.5 billion in Michigan

The new GM logo is seen on the facade of General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, March 16, 2021, U.S. REUTERS Rebecca Cook File Photo

WASHINGTON DETROIT Jan 21 Reuters -- General Motors and a joint venture with LG Energy Solution 051910. KS will announce investments of more than $6.5 billion in Michigan next week in new electric truck and battery plants, according to a state document and sources briefed on the matter.

The Michigan Strategic Fund plans to add 4,000 jobs in sites in Lansing and Orion Township at a Tuesday board meeting that GM and the Ultium Cells will be part of the joint venture's plan to invest $6.5 billion and add 6,000 jobs at sites in Lansing and Orion Township.

In December, Reuters reported that GM had proposed a $2.5 billion battery plant near Lansing with LG Energy Solution adding 1,700 jobs. The cost is expected to be split between the two companies.

By the year 2025, a significant plant expansion is expected to be completed.

One of the sources said that the automaker is planning electric versions of its heavy-duty pickups, but they are not likely to be built at the expanded Orion plant.

In January 2021 GM announced plans to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by the year 2035. The company said this month it plans to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles by 2035.

In a statement Friday, GM said it appreciates the support of two prospective projects that GM is considering in Orion Township and Lansing. There is no comment on the possible timing of announcements until these projects are finalized. In June, GM announced that it would boost electric and autonomous vehicle spending to $35 billion by the year 2025, a 30% increase over its previous forecast.