GM Eyes $1.2 Billion Expansion, Hundreds of New Jobs in Arlington

General Motors' Arlington Assembly Plant may soon be manufacturing more than SUVs. Nearly 600 new jobs could be created as part of a $1.2 billion investment the automaker has proposed for the facility.

A GM spokesperson confirmed the company is “developing a business case for a potential future investment” at the plant that would “fund facility improvements aimed at strengthening the plant’s manufacturing capability.” But because the plan has not yet been finalized, they could not comment further.

A city of Arlington staff report made public Wednesday, which includes documents submitted by GM, contained additional information about the company’s plans.

According to that report, GM has proposed to expand the Arlington Assembly Plant by 1.2 million square feet, spending $307 million on the physical expansion of the facility and an additional $986 million on new equipment. The report estimates the expansion would create 589 new, permanent jobs. The total investment would be made over a three year period.

“It’s a great deal for Arlington,” said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck. “That’s exactly the type of investment we need to see in our city.”

The city of Arlington has come up with an incentives package for GM to entice them to push forward with the project. Next Tuesday, the city council will vote whether to designate the plant as a reinvestment zone, which would give GM an 80 percent reduction in their real and business personal property taxes for the next 10 years. The city would also waive all building permit and development fees. That agreement will have to pass two separate Council votes to take effect.

“In order to get those new jobs and get those good salaries and benefits, we have to make an investment,” said Cluck. “And we’re very willing to do that.”

According to the city’s report, the entire expansion would take place on GM’s existing property near Abram Street and Highway 360. Last August, GM purchased the property across the street where Cowboys Dance Hall once operated. It’s not yet clear what the company plans to do with that site.
 

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