The Economy

Ford to Invest $400 Million in Kansas City Assembly Plant

Jan. 18, 2011

Automaker will prepare facility for production of a new vehicle, retaining 3,750 jobs.

Ford Motor Co. said it will invest $400 million in its Kansas City Assembly Plant to install a new body shop, retool the facility and make other upgrades.

The automaker, which is shifting production of the Ford Escape to its Louisville Assembly Plant, said it will build a new vehicle at the facility after the upgrades are complete.

The investment will help retain the plant's 3,750 full-time jobs, including the positions required to assemble the Ford F-150, which will continue to be built at the facility on a separate line, according to Ford.

"This investment and promise of a new vehicle to be built in Kansas City reinforces Ford's commitment to U.S. manufacturing and American jobs," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Investing in our plants, products and people is critical to Ford's ability to compete with the best in the business. Ford is committed to doing everything it takes to work with its partners, including the United Auto Workers, to remain competitive."

The Kansas City plant is the fourth North American facility that Ford is retooling for production of new vehicles. The automaker said it will announce the vehicle planned for the plant at a later date.

Ford noted that it worked closely with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri State Legislature in passage of the 2010 Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. This legislation provides tax incentives for certified automotive manufacturers that commit to new investments and job retention in Missouri and suppliers that create new jobs in the state.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.