• Dearborn Truck Plant and the revitalized Ford Rouge Center are manufacturing models for the 21st century, incorporating lean, flexible and sustainable manufacturing processes in a state-of-the art facility, while honoring the site's historic past and enhancing the environment.
• The new Dearborn Truck Plant is Ford's most flexibly capable plant worldwide, able to produce up to nine different models off three vehicle platforms.

DEARBORN, Mich., April 26, 2004 - Ford Motor Company today opened its doors of the new Dearborn Truck Plant, a 21st century model of manufacturing sustainability. The truck plant is a key part of the company's commitment to become a lean, flexible and green manufacturer.

"Ford is delivering on its promise to build a better world by showing there's a green side to the blue oval. We're putting in place today environmental solutions to challenges facing the industry and our planet," said Jim Padilla, chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company and chairman, Automotive Operations.

Today's event marked the official opening of the new Dearborn Truck Plant, giving media a first look at the 2.3 million-square-foot facility in the Ford Rouge Center.

The new truck plant, which is producing the 2004 Ford F-150, is Ford's flagship of 21st century manufacturing. Featuring Ford's flexible manufacturing system, the Dearborn Truck Plant is a model work environment that showcases state-of-the-art production in a setting that emphasizes quality, flexibility, lean processes, worker safety, comfort and environmental sustainability. It is the centerpiece of Ford's $2 billion revitalization of the historic Rouge site, and its final assembly building is what visitors will see as part of the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, which opens May 3.