"This investment is essential in ensuring we can meet the expected high demand for the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Cruze and a small car that will be produced at our Orion Township facility," said Kathleen Dilworth, Flint Engine Operations plant manager. "These three facilities will continue to play a key role in GM’s resurgence and efforts to bring to market vehicles with segment-leading fuel economy."

Including this additional work, GM says it has created or retained more than 8,000 jobs in 21 U.S. plants since emerging from bankruptcy in July 2009, with new U.S. investment totaling more than $3.3 billion.

GM says the investments will be used to support increased production of the Ecotec 1.4-liter engine that is used in the Chevrolet Cruze and a 1.4L variant used in the Chevrolet Volt. Flint Engine is expected to start production of 400 engines a day in early 2011 and ramp up to 800 engines a day in late 2011. The newest investment increases its capacity to 1,200 a day in late 2012. Bay City will increase connecting rod and camshaft production and Defiance will boost output of engine block and crankshaft castings.