Ford plans to invest nearly $4 billion in next-generation vehicle manufacturing in the Midwest

Ford Motor Company will invest $3.7 billion over the coming years as it commits to investing in its manufacturing capabilities in the Midwest and prepares to launch the net-generation Ford Mustang and Ranger in North America.

Last Thursday, the company announced the massive financial commitment along with a pledge to create 6,200 new United Auto Worker (UAW) jobs, according to Newsweek reported.

In addition to the massive job posting, Ford announced that its new line of electric vehicles will be produced at its Ohio plants in the mid-2020s. Ford, the nation’s largest employer of hourly auto workers, also plans to expand its Ohio manufacturing facility to accommodate these new developments.

The company’s expansion in Ohio will cost approximately $1.5 billion. Once the Ohio facility expansion is complete, 1,800 UAW union jobs will be created.

In addition, Ford plans to invest $100 million in Lima Engine and Sharonville Transmission plants, which will create an estimated 90 additional jobs.

The company also confirmed that the state of Michigan will continue to be the home base for the Ford Mustang and Ranger as both models move into their next generation of production.

Ford’s Michigan assembly plant in the town of Wayne will continue to build the Ranger, while the Mustang coupe will be manufactured at the company’s Flat Rock assembly plant.

These Michigan-based manufacturing centers, along with Ford’s Route Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, account for $2 billion of the company’s investments in the Midwest. These Michigan-based initiatives are expected to create 3,200 jobs.

Ford is also expected to build a new Ford Customer Service Division packaging facility in Monroe, Michigan, which will cost $35 million and is expected to create 600 union jobs at the UAW. This facility is expected to open in 2024.

In a press release, Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, “We are thrilled that Ford is advancing its long legacy in Michigan by investing $2 billion to create 3,200 high-paying UAW jobs.”

She continued, “I am proud that we came together to enact economic development legislation that has helped us land huge projects that create thousands of jobs. With this announcement, Michigan has added nearly 25,000 automotive jobs since I took office, and we continue to lead the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue in this spirit of working together to keep our economy growing, creating jobs and driving the future of mobility and electrification.”