Six Southeast Michigan plants will receive $866 million to be invested in the areas of flexible manufacturing and advanced powertrain production according to a company statement on Jan. 9.
"Our turnaround in North America and our return to profitability is based on strategic investment, not just cost cutting," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Co. "With this investment, we're expanding our commitment to small cars, producing fuel-efficient powertrains and fortifying our truck leadership."
The investments are as follows:
- Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant received $130 million for tooling and equipment to build the all-new 2008 Ford Focus, which has been redesigned inside and out.
- Van Dyke Transmission Plant received $320 million to install a flexible machining line to assemble a fuel-efficient, high performance 6-speed, front-wheel drive transmission for the next generation Ford Escape.
- Livonia Transmission Plant received $88 million to install flexible tooling to increase its production of a fuel-efficient, high performance 6-speed, rear-wheel drive transmission for the 2009 Ford F-150.
- Woodhaven Stamping Plant received $89 million for new dies and subassembly equipment to stamp parts for the 2009 Ford F-150.
- Dearborn Stamping Plant received $31 million for new dies and subassembly equipment to stamp doors and hoods for the 2009 Ford F-150.
- Dearborn Truck Plant received $208 million to install additional tooling and equipment to build the 2009 Ford F-150. Additionally, the investment will be used to convert Ford's historic Glass Plant on the Rouge site into a training center for the launch of the all-new pickup.
