Ford Invests $350 Million to Create Jobs at Michigan Transmission Plant
Despite looking to trim white-collar positions, Ford has once again doubled down on their investment to keep factory jobs where they should be — America.
We recently shared with you the reasons why now is the best time to buy a Ford truck. Factors such as a low stock price, turmoil at the executive level, aching sales of several models, etc., add up to a sales-hungry Motor Company who’s willing to let go of a few high-margin trucks in order to keep a healthy balance sheet. Heck, that’s why even we are on the market for a new F-150!
Besides parking a new hot ride on your driveway, the second best reason to buy a new Ford is to support the folks who work at the various plants and factories that produce them. Keeping jobs in the United States has been a hot topic for all automakers in recent months, and Ford recently announced that it’s investing $350 million dollars at the Livonia Transmission Plant. This influx of cash will upgrade the facility and support production of a new transmission, while creating or retaining 800 hourly jobs.
“We remain committed to American manufacturing and investing in our people and facilities,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Even as the industry’s largest employer of hourly workers in the United States and biggest producer of American-made vehicles, we believe it is important to continue investing right here in our home market.”
This investment in the Livonia Transmission Plant is in addition to $1.4 billion and 500 created or retained hourly jobs announced for the plant in 2016. If you recall, this is where the new 10-speed transmission for the 2017 F-150 and Raptor are developed and assembled. Whether this plant could eventually handle transmissions for the new Bronco and Ranger, we don’t know, but it would only make sense.
“Today’s announcement of investment at the Livonia Transmission Plant is further evidence of the benefits of collective bargaining and the ongoing commitment of UAW-Ford to lead the way in creating and maintaining automotive manufacturing jobs in America,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president. “The addition of these 800 jobs will add job security for the plant’s hardworking men and women, and support for the surrounding community.”
Kudos to Ford!
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