GM announces new work for Toledo plant

GM chairman and CEO Dan Akerson visited the Toledo Powertrain Plant Tuesday, May 10, 2011, to announce it has been selected to build fuel-efficient eight-speed transmissions for upcoming projects. This means a $204 million investment in the plant that will add 250 jobs. Mayor Mike Bell, Gov. John Kasich, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Ohio), and UAW Vice President Joe Ashton were also at the announcement. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Luis Negron Jr., center, who works at Powertrain, stands up to check out the crowd. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, left, and Gov. John R. Kasich, chat as they enter the Powertrain plant. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Dan Akerson, GM Chairman and CEO announces that more work is coming to the Toledo plant. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo General Motors Co. Chief Executive Dan Akerson said a $204 million investment in the Toledo Powertrain Plant represents "a vote ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Joe Farinella, front, Plant Personnel Director, and a standing room only crowd applaud speakers. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Dan Akerson, GM Chairman and CEO, left, and Ray Wood, president of UAW Local 14, right, shake hands after the ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Gov. John R. Kasich tells the Powertrain plant's employees that they've earned the increased investment from GM. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Gov. John Kasich praised the workers at the Toledo plant saying, "It's a great plant. But the plant doesn't mean ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Ray Wood, president of UAW Local 14, left, and Gov. John R. Kasich, right, speak after the announcement. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mayor Mike Bell was among the speakers at the event which announced the Toledo plant has been selected to build ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo UAW Vice President Joe Ashton speaks during the event at GM Toledo Transmission Facility announcing that more work is coming ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Ohio) has a turn at the podium at the Powertrain plant. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Ohio), left, and Gov. John R. Kasich, right, hug after the announcement that more ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo From left, Gov. John Kasich, Dan Akerson, GM Chairman and CEO, Joe Ashton, and Mayor Mike Bell, field questions after ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mayor Mike Bell, right, signs Rob Scott's shirt. Mr. Scott is an employee from Swanton. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, left, signs Rob Scott's shirt. Mr. Scott is a GM employee from Swanton. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT