On Tuesday, February 19, General Motors dedicated a $660 million transmission plant in Silao, Mexico as part of the company's assembly, engine, and stamping operation on the site.

The plant, which has been in operation approximately one month, can produce 1,500 transmissions daily. The six-speed, rear-wheel-drive transmission are to be used in 25 vehicles globally representing both light trucks and passenger cars.

The bulk of the transmissions are expected to be used in vehicles actually assembled in Silao with approximately 90,000 to be shipped to foreign destinations.

The transmissions are designed to consume 4 percent less gasoline than their more traditional counterparts and should, when paired with cylinder deactivation, boost fuel economy by as much as 12 percent.

The plant, when working in full production mode, will have a workforce of 1,100. The overall Silao complex, which began operation in 1995, employs 3,900. The stampling plant opened in 1997 and the engine facility in 2001.

Vehicles built in Silao include the Chevrolet Avalance, Silverado Crew Cab, and Suburban as well as the GMC Sierra Crew Cab and the Cadillac Escalade EXT.

General Motors scouted possible locations in half a dozen countries before electing to add to the existing complex at Silao, which is 250 miles northwest of Mexico City.

On hand for the inauguration were Mexican President Felipe Calderon, GM Mexico president Kevin Williams, and Gary Cowger, global manufacturing vice president.