LaShannon Oldham (left) and Thu Dang install head covers at the Dmax plant in Dayton, Ohio.
General Motors said today that Dmax would invest $60 million to make design changes to meet future emissions requirements at a Moraine Ohio engine plant. The investment – in the depressing language of the jobless auto recovery – retains 500 jobs at what is a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu. DMAX has produced 1.6 million engines since opening in 2000. GM owns 60% and Isuzu owns 40% of the venture that makes the Duramax diesel for heavy-duty trucks.
“This investment represents a vote of confidence in our employees and IUE-CWA Local 755, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment and dedication to building the best diesel engine possible,” says Christine Sitek of GM.
DMAX makes the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo diesel engine used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The current Duramax is SAE certified at 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1600 rpm. All Duramax engines include a high-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions. The Duramax is also available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.
“The successful partnership between GM, Isuzu and IUE-CWA Local 755 continues to bring new investment dollars to our plant,” said Maho Mitsuya, Dmax president and chief operating officer. “The Duramax diesel’s performance is renowned in the industry, and these updates to improve our emissions will make it that much better.”
