PARMA, Ohio – General Motors Co. on Friday announced it will invest $18 million in its Parma Metal Center in 2020.

The investment will fund upgrades to the plant’s press systems and “prepare it for future product program opportunities,” according to a news release.

“These press system improvements will strengthen Parma’s portfolio of precision sheet metal stampings and assemblies for multiple GM product programs,” plant director Mark Pervine said in a prepared statement. “This comes as a direct result of joint teamwork with UAW Local 1005 leadership and will help support our business, as well as our community.”

“This investment is a reflection of the hard work by our members and is good for the future of Parma,” UAW Local 1005 chairman Al Tiller said.

The announcement follows one in May in which GM committed to manufacturing investments to expand the plant’s production of stamped parts and the use of laser cell welding technology.

That funding was part of a $700 million investment GM committed to a total of three plants in Ohio.

Parma Metal Center, which began operations in 1948, currently employs about 1,100 people. The plant processes more than 500 tons of steel per day and serves about 40 customers, including most of GM’s vehicles that are produced in North America, according to GM.

The announcement comes about two months after UAW members, including those who work at the plant, voted to approve a new four-year contract with GM, bringing an end to a monthlong strike of some 49,000 UAW members in the U.S.

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