The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that General Motors is investing $63-million in its Oshawa, Ont., plant to upgrade the metal-stamping shop for its next generation of full-sized pickup trucks. The Globe's Eric Atkins writes that this announcement follows the layoff of 500 workers and the cutting of the third shift at the plant. GM said the work on the stamping plant supports preparations for the plant to assemble the new pickup trucks. In 2023, GM said it would spend $280-million refitting the plant for the new trucks. GM Canada president Jack Uppal said that the life cycle of a new generation of vehicle is typically four to six years, signalling the plant will produce the trucks "for years to come." "These are long-term investments, and the next generation truck we anticipate to run well through the end of the decade," Mr. Uppal said, declining to say when production will start. Unifor's Chris Waugh called the investment "good news." He said he is hopeful it means GM is committed to continuing to build trucks in Oshawa. Mr. Waugh said: "I continue advocating for it. So when they start spending money, it's a good sign, especially [with] the trade war right now between Canada and the United States."