Published

Ford Adds Jobs, $1 Billion Investment at Chicago SUV Plants

Ford Motor Co. is expanding its assembly and stamping plants in Chicago ahead of the launch of three all-new SUV models later this year.
#workforcedevelopment

Share

Ford Motor Co. is expanding its assembly and stamping plants in Chicago ahead of the launch of three all-new SUV models later this year.

The $1 billion project will add capacity and create a combined 500 jobs at the two factories, according to the company. The two factories currently employ about 5,300 people.
 

The facilities are being prepped to make redesigned versions of the Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor and Lincoln Aviator. Updates to the assembly plant will include new body and paint shops, a major overhaul of final assembly operations and the introduction of a “collaborative” robot that inspects electrical connections.

The stamping facility will get new stamping lines. Ford says the plants are getting $40 million in employee-related upgrades that include LED lighting, a remodeled cafeteria, new break areas and improved parking lot security.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Jeeps Modified for Moab

    On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.

  • GM Is Down with Diesels

    General Motors is one company that is clearly embracing the diesel engine.

  • Mustang Changes for 2018

    On Tuesday Ford unveiled—using the social media channels of actor Dwayne Johnson (this has got to unnerve some of the auto buff book editors)—the 2018 Mustang, which has undergone some modifications: under the hood (the 3.7-liter V6 is giving way to a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four, and a 10-speed automatic is available), on the dash (a 12-inch, all-digital LCD screen is available for the dashboard), at the tires (12 wheel choices), on the chassis (MagneRide damper technology is being offered with the Mustang Performance Package), and on the exterior (three new paint colors). And while on the subject of the exterior, there are some notable changes—a lower, remodeled hood, repositioned hood vents, new upper and lower front grilles, LED front lights, revised LED taillamps, new rear bumper and fascia.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions