General Motors has been busy this year, with numerous projects and goings-on aimed at welcoming in the next breed of diesel trucks. The latest to come from Detroit is the announcement of a plant expansion for Duramax, the diesel name brand used in late model GMC and Chevrolet trucks and vans.

The expansion is expected to cost $82 million, and will give the Moraine, Ohio-based plant the funding it needs for better productivity. The investment may also add as many as 150 jobs.

“This investment and job creation is a result of the hard work from our DMAX team and IUE-CWA Local 755, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment and dedication to building the best diesel engine possible for our customers,” said GM North America Manufacturing Manager Scott Whybrew. “The Duramax diesel’s performance is renowned in the industry, and these productivity improvements will allow us to become even more efficient in producing these world-class engines.”

With this new injection of cash, the DMAX Plant in Moraine, Ohio has received more than $140 million this year to help stay ahead of the curve.

Taken together with the $60 million investment also made this year – which was supposed to help Duramax engines stay ahead of the emissions curve – and it’s clear that the faith isn’t faltering in diesel platforms, despite recent blows to the industry in Europe and Asia. If anything, the industry is dusting itself off and forging ahead to deliver safe, reliable motors to the masses.

What would you like to see Duramax do this coming New Year? Better yet, what can the competition do to stay ahead? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.