One American automobile manufacturer is helping to create Baltimore County jobs.

Several officials recently announced that the General Motors Powertrain Baltimore plant in White Marsh plans to produce next generation, two-mode, rear-wheel-drive motors and related electrical drive components.

As part of that decision, GM plans to construct a high-volume electric drive manufacturing facility at the Baltimore County Transmission plant, a move that will create about 200 new jobs and retain hundreds of other positions.

"Maryland is proud to be home for this new innovation driven by GM for the next generation of green technology," Gov. Martin O'Malley said. "The technology being unveiled today will help drivers drive further on less fuel, and provide green jobs for Marylanders to support their families.

"Maryland is home to one of the nation's most talented and skilled workforces, and GM's decision to house the manufacturing of their new technology in our state is validation of their commitment to fuel innovation, create jobs, and drive economic progress here in Maryland," he continued.

GM plans to invest $129 million in the plant to build electric motors and related electric drive components. The company currently employs more than 200 salaried and hourly workers at the White Marsh facility.

GM recently received a $105 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to manufacture electric drive systems. In addition, the state is providing a $3 million Maryland Economic Development Assistant Fund grant and a $1.5 million Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Workforce Training Fund grant.

Baltimore County also plans to provide a conditional $6 million Business Growth Fund grant and a $150,000 Economic Development Training grant.

Once completed, the new manufacturing facility will have the capacity to produce 40,000 Global Rear Wheel Drive motors. Those motors, to be placed in cars and trucks, contain two electric motors and three planetary gear sets that transform power from the gas engine and battery into usable power to propel the vehicle.