Talent

Ford Creates 800 New Jobs in South Africa

Aug. 27, 2012

Vehicles are for both the African and European market.

Strong demand for the Ford Ranger pickup truck is driving Ford Motor Co. (IW 500/6) to add 800 new positions to increase production at its Silverton Assembly Plant and its Struandale Engine Plant starting September 3.

FMCSA will add a second shift to its Silverton Assembly Plant and a third shift at its Struandale Engine Plant.

“In order to meet continued strong demand in South Africa and abroad, we are adding shifts to our operations, creating jobs and confirming our commitment to South Africa,” said Jeff Nemeth, CEO of FMCSA. “We invested significantly to transform our operations, and it is our strong belief that these jobs have the power to transform people’s lives as well.”

Last year the company announced the completion of a USD 405,842 transformation at its manufacturing and assembly plants in South Africa to enable it to produce and export its new Ranger pickup trucks to 148 countries, mostly in Africa and Europe.

“Our enthusiasm for technical innovation is always tempered by our responsibility to the vehicle, to our customers and their safety,” Nemeth added. “As a result of the day-to-day commitment, products that meet such high quality demands also require high standards from people producing them. We’re investing in the continuous training and education of our employees.

“Each one of the 800 potential new employees underwent comprehensive pre-employment assessment prior to the commencement of training. The successful candidates underwent stringent classroom and on-the-job training; they are now equipped to build high quality Rangers.”

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.