Ford will retain 3,750 full-time jobs in Missouri.
Ford will invest $400 million in the Kansas City plant to install a new body shop, new tooling and other improvements.
In a sign of the power of multi-national companies now have obtained by moving so many jobs offshore, not one new job will be created after state and local tax incentives of $150 million.
At the North American International Auto Show last week, Ford said it would hire 7,000 workers during the next few years. Ford also showed a concept version of Escape’s replacement, the Vertrek, at NAIAS. (See Ford Shows Vertrek Replacement for Escape Compact SUV)
Ford has committed to retain 3,750 full-time jobs at the plant – consistent with current employment levels in order to qualify for Missouri incentives. This includes the positions required to assemble the Ford F-150, which will continue to be built at the facility on a separate line.
“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.
Kansas City Assembly Plant is the fourth North American facility Ford is retooling with billions in taxpayer subsidies for production of new vehicles. The new vehicle planned for the plant will be announced at a later date.
Ford 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 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.
Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1951 and has approximately 3,750 employees. It currently produces the Ford F-150 on one shift and the Ford Escape on three crews.
