FCA US announced today that it will invest $74.7 million in its Trenton Engine Complex (Mich.) to retool the north plant to produce the next generation four-cylinder engine. It’s claimed that 245 jobs will be saved at what is a highly automated production line.
The new engine will be assembled on the flexible line that was installed in 2012 in a plant that dates back to the post-war boom year of 1952. The four-banger will replace the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which is currently assembled at Trenton North.
Pentastar engine production will continue at Trenton South, Mack Avenue Engine (Mich.) and Saltillo South (Mex.). The Trenton Engine Complex employs more than 1,500 people.
The Michigan designed engine will begin production during Q3 of 2017. The engine will provide increased power, while improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. More detailed information about the engine’s specific application will be announced at a later date.
Since 2009 and its controversial bailout that Republicans opposed, FCA has announced investments of more than $2 billion in Michigan and added nearly 15,600 new jobs, bringing total employment in the state to 35,314 (including 21,621 hourly) people.
Trenton North was shut down in May 2011 after producing more than 38 million engines. It reopened in late 2011 and added a flexible production line in 2012 – as part of the FCA takeover agreement with the Obama Administration.
