Highlights Archives
Janesville GM Plant Makes History
The General Motors Janesville Assembly plant recognized a milestone of producing 16 million vehicles with a special "Sweet 16" event on August 23, 2005. Janesville Assembly started production in 1923, initially building full-size Chevrolet automobiles. Today, the facility builds the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL and Isuzu/GM Low Cab Forward medium-duty truck. In calendar year 2004 the plant produced almost 220,000 vehicles. The facility employs approximately 3,800 workers. GM recently invested $175 million into Janesville Assembly for production of new full-size SUVs. The plant is currently in the middle of preparations for the launch of these new models.
The "Sweet 16" program kicked off two days of events that recognize Janesville's production heritage, recent quality and productivity awards as well as an upcoming new product launch. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was on hand at the event along with Secretary of Commerce Mary Burke. "I appreciate the company's continuing presence in Wisconsin and its willingness to invest in plant improvements that will increase the plant's competitiveness and productivity," Doyle said. "I am committed to building on the state's long-term partnership with GM." The governor announced that GM Janesville Assembly would receive a $5.4 million state incentive package to help offset training for future production.
The plant concluded the event by donating a 2005 Chevy Uplander, equipped with Sit-N-Lift, to the United Way of North Rock County. The van with the state-of-the-art engineering of the Sit-N-Lift will benefit people with limited mobility in the Janesville and surrounding communities.
The Wisconsin Historical Society has long documented the history of business and industry not only in Wisconsin but nationwide. View a selection of historic images of the automotive industry that can be found in Wisconsin Historical Images.
:: Posted August 23, 2005
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