GM Arlington celebrates 70 years and 13 millionth car

GM Arlington Assembly held a party at its plant Friday to mark 70 years along Highway 360. The plant also marked completion of its 13 millionth car.

The manager of the plant says they now produce 60 cars per hour, up from 30 fifty years ago. The plant added a third shift in 2012 and produced 34,000 cars last year, setting a record.

Arlington Assembly produces full-size SUVs, including for the Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. GM says the 13 millionth car was an Escalade-V.

"Milestones like these are met only through the dedication, determination and skill of our employees. We can’t thank our employees enough for what they do every day. We build each vehicle as if it were our own and value every customer," says John Urbanic, the plant's executive director.

He says the plant exports cars to 30 countries and has hired 250 people this year. More than five thousand people work at the plant.

"These jobs have supported families, uplifted neighborhoods, and contributed to the vibrant economic fabric of our city. The ripple effect of GM’s investment extends far beyond the plant itself, fueling local businesses, enhancing infrastructure and driving growth across the region," Arlington City Councilwoman Barbara Odom-Wesley said while reading a proclamation declaring Friday "General Motors Day" in Arlington.

GM is currently working on a $500 million expansion of the Arlington plant.

LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube