FLINT, MI -- General Motors is planning to make $356 million in investments for a new engine line in Flint and other projects in Michigan that are expected to create at least 50 jobs and retain nearly 500 jobs, the company is announcing today, Dec. 15.

In Flint, the company will spend $263 million for a new engine line at the Flint Engine Operations that is projected to retain 410 positions, according to the announcement planned for 10 a.m. at the plant.

GM also unveiled that it will invest $50 million for driveline components that will retain 68 jobs at the Saginaw Metal Casting Operations, and $43.35 million for powertrain components that will add 55 jobs and retain 15 at Grand Rapids Components Holdings, a statement said.

These latest projects are part of more than $9 billion in investments the automaker said it has made in Michigan since 2009 as part of an agreement with the Michigan Strategic Fund under the Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credit program.

"These investments will better position GM and its work force to produce high quality engines and components for customers who demand greater fuel efficiency and performance from our vehicles," GM North America Manufacturing Manager Bill Shaw said in a statement.

Details about the engine programs and associated vehicles were not immediately released.

"Today's announcement that it is investing in Saginaw, Flint and Grand Rapids proves the company wants to retain a strong presence in Michigan," Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement.

In August, GM announced plans to invest $877 million at Flint Assembly over the next three years, including a new body shop, improving the current facility and new equipment. The automaker is also building a $600 million paint shop at the Flint site that is expected to be operational by February.

The Michigan investments bring GM's announced investments this year in the U.S. to $7.1 billion, including $353.4 million announced recently in four other states:

Bedford, Ind.: $127.4 million for engine components

Bowling Green, Ky.: $44 million for increase engine capacity

D-Max/Moraine, Ohio: $82 million for productivity improvements

Defiance, Ohio: $100 million for engine components

"The membership and leadership of Region 1D are excited about this investment in our area and our work force," United Auto Workers Region 1D Director Gerald Kariem said in a statement. "These investments were earned with the quality and skill our membership brings to their jobs every day, and we appreciate GM giving us the opportunity to continue to prove the UAW work force is world class."

Stay with MLive for more on this developing story.

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