GM to add 650 jobs in Flint, Mich.

DETROIT, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. automaker General Motors Co. is expected to add 650 jobs at a truck plant in Flint, Mich., sources told The Detroit News.

The plan is to add a third shift to the plant that builds Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, taking advantage of $35 million in plant investments the company has made since 2008.

Neither the company nor Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's office has released details, but the governor is expected to visit Flint Monday, when an announcement is expected.

Sales data supports the possibility that the truck plant will add workers. Autodata Corp. said Silverado and Sierra sales rose at least 16 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. The 2011 Silverado was also hailed by Motor Trend magazine as its choice for "Truck of the Year."

Analysts said businesses that held back on buying new trucks during the recession were behind much of the recent increase in sales.