General Motors, DMAX, Ltd. and I.U.E.-CWA Local 755 employees today celebrated the build of the 2 millionth Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel engine.
Groundbreaking for the new DMAX, Ltd. plant began in 1998, with the first engine rolling off the line July 17, 2000.
Since then, Duramax engines have won multiple awards and built a reputation for impressive power and durability.
Today, DMAX makes the Duramax diesel engines for heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. Duramax engines also power some Navistar commercial trucks, Gale Banks vehicles and even marine applications.
DMAX, Ltd. has grown its employment in the past few years and currently employs 554 I.U.E.-CWA Local 755 hourly and 114 salaried employees for a total of 668.
The plant has received two recent investments:
- 2014: $60 million investment announced for emissions improvements
- 2015: $82 million investment announced for productivity improvements
Employees are currently building the redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel. This next-generation engine offers more horsepower and torque than ever — an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 910 lb-ft of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm — to enable easier, more confident hauling and trailering.
Along with a 19 percent increase in max torque over the last Duramax 6.6L, the redesigned turbo-diesel’s performance is quieter and smoother, for greater refinement. It is also capable of running on B20 biodiesel, a fuel composed of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent conventional diesel. B20 helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessen dependence on petroleum. It is a domestically produced, renewable fuel made primarily of plant matter, mostly soybean oil.
DMAX, Ltd. was established in 1998. GM owns 60 percent and Isuzu owns 40 percent of the joint venture.
Quote from GMNA Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President Cathy Clegg
“The Duramax Diesel has powered GM’s heavy-duty pickups to numerous quality, reliability, durability and truck of the year awards. These awards would not be possible without the hard work of the men and women of the IUE and DMAX.”
Quote from GM Plant Manager Pat Curtis
“Over the past 17 years, DMAX has produced 2 million award-winning heavy-duty diesel engines. This is not only a significant milestone, but truly speaks to the dedication of our team.
“We consider ourselves to be a big part of the community in which we live and work. We have invested both dollars and volunteerism into several local organizations, specifically the Moraine Foundation, which channels all local charitable activities and the promotion of STEM-related opportunities through the West Carrollton HS–FIRST Robotics Club.”
Quote from President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for DMAX, Ltd. Shinichi Suzuki
“When we started this project, who would have expected we would achieve 2 million engines? I do recognize that although we made 2 million engines, it could not be achieved without the support of all employees. The most important thing is not that the 2 million engines have been manufactured, but that they have been sold by the effort of the entire team.”
Quote from President IUE-CWA Local 755 Carl Kennebrew
“This is a testament to the dedication of our workforce to continue to produce a great product. We have a culture here at DMAX that is based off of teamwork and a family environment. Everyone is dedicated to the vision of our company. I’m so proud of our members and their continued drive to be successful!”
