Ford Motor Company officials recently announced that the company will build the next-generation Explorer SUV at its South Side assembly plant. Mayor Richard M. Daley
“Ford has been a major presence in our city since 1924, when it opened this plant to make Model T’s. The full impact of our nation’s recession has yet to play out, but I believe an announcement such as this one today is a sign that better times are coming,” Daley said at the news conference.
Ford is investing nearly $400 million in its Chicago manufacturing facilities to launch production of the new, fuel-efficient Ford Explorer. The company will add a second production shift at the Chicago Assembly Plant and increase production at the nearby Chicago Stamping Plant. The company’s investment is supported by its green partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Our Chicago Assembly Plant – with its excellent work force, lean and flexible manufacturing processes, and proud history of making great Ford vehicles – is the ideal choice for building the new Explorer,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president, North America Manufacturing. “The plant successfully has launched two new vehicles in the past two years and our Chicago employees consistently deliver with an eye on quality, efficiency and safety.”
Ford worked closely with the State, which passed legislation that allows Ford to participate in the EDGE tax program, providing tax incentives to businesses that commit to new investments and creating or retaining jobs in the state. This legislation allows Ford to participate in the EDGE program through payroll tax credits rather than corporate income taxes.
“This is a perfect example of government moving quickly to put in place a good idea that will create new jobs and bring much-needed new revenue and other economic activity to Chicago and our region,” Daley said.
In recent years, Ford has spent $400 million to modernize its Chicago area manufacturing facilities. In support of those efforts, the City committed $17 million in Tax Increment Financing funding for infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood of the plant and provided funding for job training and recruitment programs.
