GM to build Cadillac SRX, add engine in Spring Hill

General Motors is investing $185 million in small gas engine production in Spring Hill, along with moving assembly of the next-generation Cadillac SRX to the plant from Mexico.

Arvin Jones, General Motors manufacturing manager, said Spring Hill was chosen for its production track record.

"They know how to make good quality products," Jones said at the announcement on Wednesday. "They have multiple products here that they do well with. The union management relationship is very good, very business-like. They have our confidence."

The Cadillac SRX is one of two vehicles promised by General Motors for assembly at its Spring Hill plant last year as part of an overall $350 million investment. General Motor officials declined to disclose details about the second vehicle planned for Spring Hill.

"We're very grateful for your investment, General Motors, and to the men and women who work here, we're grateful you've shown we can produce a product here and compete with anyone in the world," said Gov. Bill Haslam.

General Motors, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2009, also announced a $48.4 million investment planned for its plant in Bedford, Ind., creating 45 jobs. Both the Bedford and Spring Hill investments will support the company's new small engine, part of an Ecotec engine family.

"It's a really proud day for the workforce to be able to earn the right to build new products and continue to grow Spring Hill," said Ken Knight, GM Spring Hill manufacturing complex manager.

Knight declined to share details on timeline for production and exact new job projections. "It means jobs security, and we are going to have more and more and more," he said.

Additional infrastructure will not be necessary for the new production, Knight said.

Union officials and local government leaders praised the impact the new production will have on local workers.

"It's a strong message across the state and the whole U.S. and the South," said Ray Curry, UAW Region 8 International Representative. "The ability to bring a product back from Mexico and produce it in the U.S. and create jobs in the U.S. is huge."

Maury County Mayor Jim Bailey commended the role the company has filled over the past 30 years in the community and the jobs that it has brought.

"Maury County has a great future ahead of it and this plant is a big part of it," he said.

Mike Wiles, director of Marshall County Joint Economic Community Development Board, said the impact will be felt beyond Spring Hill.

"We have a lot of people who travel here to work," he said. "It helps not only Maury County, but it helps Marshall County and the whole area. We're certainly excited to see that, especially coming out of an economic downturn."

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 or on Twitter @JamieMcGee_