AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

About two years ago, Chrysler’s Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant was on the chopping block.

How times have changed.

On Tuesday, the automaker announced it is pumping $165 million into the plant to add a 1 million square-foot body shop.

As part of the investment, the plant will not only get a new body shop, but also receive state-of-the-art equipment and conveyors, officials noted.

This project is on top of the Sterling Heights investment Chrysler announced in December. The automaker revealed then that it was pumping almost $850 million into building a new paint shop at the plant. Also, Chrysler announced at that time it was devoting around $850 million to the local stamping facilities in Sterling Heights and nearby Warren, Mich.

In less than two-and-a-half years, Chrysler has put close to $3.5 billion towards its facilities here in the U.S.

“Today marks another milestone in the rags to riches story of the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant,” stated Scott Garberding, Chrysler’s senior vice president and head of manufacturing. “A plant that was slated to close nearly two years ago will now be a state-of-the-art facility that will play an integral role in the success of this company by building the next generation of all-new vehicles.”

General Holiefield — vice president, UAW/Chrysler Department — added: “Last year, Chrysler made the decision to continue operating the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant indefinitely, maintaining good manufacturing jobs in Michigan and securing the future for more than 1,200 employees.

“Today, the plant is thriving with 900 new employees and additional investment that recognizes the commitment and dedication of this highly skilled workforce toward building a successful Chrysler Group,” Holiefield continued.