SPRING HILL, TN (WSMV) -
Carmaker General Motors has begun manufacturing its new Ecotek automobile engine in Spring Hill.
It signals a significant new start for the assembly plant and hundreds of new jobs in the community.
The company officially kicked off production Wednesday, and leaders were optimistic for more good news to come.
"Morale's up and we're ready to roll," said UAW Local 1853 Acting President Tim Stannard.
The new engine secures 450 jobs and a $460 million investment from GM, which marks a significant turnaround from the plant's idling in 2008.
"I think today's launch puts an exclamation point that GM is back. GM is back, and I think the world is taking note today," said State Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro.
The automaker reworked every part of the space that once housed Saturn engine production. The new equipment makes the plant more flexible and, therefore better equipped for new projects in the future.
"It is, without a doubt, one of the most flexible, technologically advanced engine manufacturing facilities in the world today," said Arvin Jones, with General Motors.
More than just the engine, General Motors will bet big on the redesigned 2013 Chevy Malibu, selling the vehicle in more than 100 countries on six continents. A lot of them will have a little piece of Spring Hill under the hood.
"No one up here on this stage can take credit for this announcement, because, brothers and sisters of Local 1853, the credit for this announcement belongs entirely to you," said Spring Hill Mayor Mike Dinwiddie.
The engine touts better fuel efficiency and more horsepower along with less noise.
Compare that with Wednesday's enthusiastic applause, marking a moment months in the making for those in the rank-and-file.
"I think we're back. You know, I feel good about the direction of this plant, in particular, and General Motors as a whole," Stannard said.
Also in Wednesday's ceremony, General Motors presented $25,000 in grants to six local nonprofits, including the Second Harvest Food Bank, the Maury County Imagination Library and the Tennessee Environmental Council.
The new jobs will be added over the next few months.
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