Ford will invest $400 million in its Kansas City factory to produce an unspecified vehicle, while retaining 3,750 jobs.
The plant currently builds F-150s and Escapes, but Escape production is moving to Louisville.
Speculation about the vehicle that will be built at Kansas City centers on the 2012 C-Max, a seven-passenger microvan that is similar is size to the Mazda 5.
“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.”
Ford is investing $400 million in its Kansas City plant, but the automaker hasn't announced what vehicle it will build. The C-Max microvan seems to be a likely choice.
Ford worked closely with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri state Legislature in passage of the 2010 Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. The legislation provides tax incentives for certified automotive manufacturers that commit to new investments and job retention in Missouri and suppliers who create new jobs in the state.
“Today’s announcement ensures that next-generation vehicles will be built right here in Missouri, by the best workforce in the country,” said Nixon. “Last year, we came together to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act to help our state compete for the production jobs of the future.”
The 4.7 million square-foot plant, located in Claycomo, Mo., opened in 1951 and currently runs three shifts.