What to Know
- The $1 billion investment will aim to increase production capacity and improve worker experiences at Chicago's Ford plants.
- The plants will build three Ford vehicles, including the Explorer, Police Interceptor, and Lincoln Aviator.
- The new investment will also create 500 new full-time jobs, bringing total employment at the plans to 5,800.
The Ford Motor Company announced a $1 billion investment into Chicago-area assembly plants that will create 500 new jobs in the coming years.
The announcement came as the Chicago Auto Show is set to get underway, and is part of the rollout of a trio of new sport utility vehicles that will be produced at plants in the area.
“We are proud to be America’s top producer of automobiles,” Global Operations President Joe Hinrichs said. “Today, we are furthering our commitment to America with this billion dollar manufacturing investment in Chicago and 500 more good-paying jobs.”
According to the company, work will begin to expand production capacity for the new Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor SUV, and the new Lincoln Aviator.
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A new body shop and paint shop will also be built at Chicago Assembly, and at Chicago Stamping, the company will add new manufacturing and printing technologies.
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The 500 new jobs will bring employment at the two plants to nearly 5,800 workers. The company says it will also invest $40 million to add new LED lighting, update cafeteria spaces, and build new break rooms for employees.
The work on the plants will be completed in the spring, the company says.
