GM to invest $117M in Oshawa to build Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS Platinum concept car was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, 2011.

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Tony Van Alphen Business Reporter

General Motors confirmed Thursday that it will invest $117 million to prepare a production line at its Oshawa assembly complex for building the Cadillac XTS model in the first half of next year.

The automaker said the move with create or retain 400 existing jobs on the company’s flexible manufacturing line. That line already assembles the Chevrolet Camaro sports car and Buick Regal mid-size sedan.

“This investment further extends the capabilities of the award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant and pays compliment to the achievements of its dedicated workforce, one that consistently strives for excellence,” GM president Kevin Williams said in a statement.

“Adding the Cadillac XTS affirms GM’s commitment to a strong manufacturing base in Canada, ensuring Oshawa will have a critical role in the ongoing transformation of Cadillac.”

The Star reported earlier that GM would be assembling the Cadillac model in Oshawa on the flex line.

GM also assembles the Chevrolet Impala sedan and Equinox sport utility vehicle on its consolidated line in Oshawa. The company currently employs about 4,500 workers at the complex but plans to close the consolidated line in the next year, which will mean job losses.source