General Motors has announced plans to invest a total of $1.5 Billion in its next generation of midsize pickup trucks, including $1B in upgrades to the Wentzville, MO factory where the current GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are built.  GM sells more pickups than any other automaker, and this move furthers the company's strategy of investing in growth areas while strengthening its U.S. manufacturing base.  Since reintroducing the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in 2013, GM has sold  600,000 more pickups than any other competitor in the U.S. GM’s Wentzville assembly plant opened in 1983. The plant operates on three shifts of production and currently employs about 4,000 hourly and 330 salaried employees. The plant’s paint shop, body shop and general assembly areas will receive upgrades, including new machines, conveyors, controls and tooling.