GM Plant Closures Will Hit Michigan Hard

General Motor Corp. is drastically shrinking its footprint in Michigan, closing another six factories by the end of next year. The company announced the names of the 11 plants that will close by the end of next year — and a 12th that will close in 2011.

GM will close Lake Orion assembly by September — though it will be on standby — and close permanently its Pontiac assembly plant by October. The Spring Hill, Tenn. plant will close in November and also go on standby. GM’s Wilmington, Del., plant will close next month.

On the powertrain side, Livonia Engine will close in June 2010, Flint North Components in December 2010, Willow Run in December 2010, Parma Components in December 2010 and Fredericksburg, Va., components in December 2010.