General Motors' will invest $133 million to expand its Wentzville, Missouri, assembly and stamping facility, adding a third stamping press, with the potential for creating or retaining 55 local jobs.

GM said it will build and equip a 114,000-square-foot stamping plant addition to make manufacturing more flexible at the site. Construction will begin in July. GM expects the press to be operational by early 2015.

The $133 million is the second major investment by General Motors in the Wentzville facility in the past two years, Gov. Jay Nixon’s Office said. In 2011, the company invested $380 million and created or retained 1,260 new jobs to produce a new mid-size pickup. The automaker also hired 400 additional employees to support demand for its existing vehicles.

“Our investment in a third stamping press is a win for the business, Wentzville employees and our customers,” said Larry Zahner, manufacturing manager, GM North America. “Stamping parts where we assemble vehicles improves manufacturing efficiency and contributes to the high level of quality our customers deserve.”

Wentzville Assembly employs approximately 2,000 employees across two shifts. The new press will increase the plant’s capacity in stamping fenders, doors and other key components for the new pickups and full-size vans.

"The automotive industry continues to invest in Missouri because we combine a low-tax, business-friendly environment with a workforce that is second to none," Nixon said. "We're very pleased that General Motors is again expanding operations at its Wentzville plant.” The state of Missouri helped make General Motors expansion in Wentzville possible through a strategic package of economic incentives, which the company can redeem if it meets the strict job creation and investment criteria.