Spending bounces back

Manufacturers of transportation equipment witnessed significant growth in the fourth quarter of the year 2010 and are planning to invest significantly in their businesses. General Motors Corporation announced a $190 million investment in its Lansing (MI) Grand River Assembly Plant. GM has invested more than $3.1 billion in the US facilities since July 2009 and created or retained more than 7,900 jobs in 21 US plants. Chrysler Group LLC announced that it will invest $850 million in its Sterling Heights, MI, assembly plant, $150 million in its Dundee, MI, engine plant, and $600 million in its Belvidere, IL, assembly plant. Ford Motor Corporation would invest an additional $850 million in Michigan between 2011 and 2013 to ensure growth of its engineering and manufacturing employee base, upgrade its facilities in the state, and improve vehicle fuel economy. Navistar Incorporation has announced plans to renovate its 69-year-old diesel engine assembly plant in Melrose Park, IL.