DETROIT - General Motors announced on Thursday that it is adding a second shift and more than 400 hourly jobs at its assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky to support the production of the next generation Corvette, which will be revealed on July 18, 2019.

The addition of the second shift will increase the plant’s workforce to more than 1,300.

The UAW issued the following statement following the announcement:

“UAW members in Bowling Green fully support the investment by GM at the Bowling Green Assembly. Members from UAW Local 2164 are proud to build the iconic Chevrolet Corvette and will be adding a full shift of production and over 400 new bargaining unit jobs through this investment. We hope to see more of this in the future from GM, which is good for our members, their families, the community and all of America." - UAW Vice President Terry Dittes

GM said it had invested more than $900 million into Bowling Green since 2011. This includes investments towards a new body shop, increased engine capacity, new paint shop, a new Performance Build Center, and additional plant upgrades.

Bowling Green Assembly has produced more than one million Corvettes since it opened in 1981. 

The first-generation Corvette was introduced as a 1953 model year. Originally designed as a show car for the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, it generated enough interest to go into production.

The seventh and most current generation Corvette was revealed in January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was the first to bring back the Stingray nameplate since 1976.

The final production seventh-generation Corvette will be auctioned off this summer with proceeds benefitting the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.