Gov. Jay Nixon on Sunday joined officials from General Motors at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit for the unveiling of GM’s new mid-size truck, the 2015 GMC Canyon, which will be built at the company’s facility in Wentzville, Missouri.
“This next-generation pickup is another example of how the future of America’s auto industry is being built in Missouri,” Gov. Nixon said. “On my very first full day in office, I committed to making sure Missouri led the rebirth of American auto manufacturing – and that is exactly what we’ve done. I applaud the hardworking men and women at the GM plant in Wentzville for the outstanding quality of their work, and for demonstrating that a strong workforce builds a strong economy for Missouri families.”
Gov. Nixon has made revitalizing Missouri’s automotive manufacturing industry a top priority of his administration, and on his watch this sector has seen tremendous growth. On his first day as Governor in 2009, Gov. Nixon established an Automotive Jobs Task Force to recommend strategies for attracting additional automotive investment in Missouri.
“The all-new 2015 GMC Canyon redefines the midsize pickup,” said Nancy Laubenthal, plant manager, GM Wentzville. “We have a great team at Wentzville that’s been working hard to prepare for this launch, and are looking forward to delivering this latest new product in GM’s exciting truck lineup.”
“Here in Wentzville, workers could not be prouder of their role building the next generation of American-made vehicles,” said Mike Bullock, Chairman, UAW Local 2250. “We appreciate Governor Nixon’s unwavering support for Missouri’s auto industry and its workers, and look forward to delivering this outstanding pickup to consumers.”
In 2010, Gov. Nixon called the state Legislature into special session to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act, which contained new incentives specifically geared to Missouri auto manufacturers and suppliers. The Governor and members of his economic development team also traveled to Detroit on numerous occasions to meet with leadership at GM.
In 2011, GM announced that it was making a historic $380 million expansion at its Wentzville assembly plant for the production of its completely redesigned, mid-size pickup trucks. GM also announced that it would add a second shift for its two existing van lines, the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express, bringing an additional 1,660 jobs to Missouri.
In 2013, GM announced plans to invest an additional $133 million in its Wentzville facility by adding a third stamping press to the assembly and stamping plant. The state of Missouri helped make General Motors expansion in Wentzville possible through a strategic package of economic incentives, which the company can redeem if it meets the strict job creation and investment criteria.