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News of May 08, 2002

Ford Adds Escape Production At Ohio Assembly Plant

Ford Escape

Photo: Ford

DEARBORN, Michigan - Ford Motor Company, the United Auto Workers and Ohio Governor Bob Taft announced today that the company will start production of the popular Ford Escape at Ohio Assembly Plant in summer 2003. This will add at least 45,000 units of Escape production, in addition to the 260,000 units of production for Escape and Mazda Tribute at Kansas City Assembly Plant. The Ford Escape has been one of the best-selling small SUVs in the U.S. since its introduction in 2000.

The state package of incentives includes training funds, grants and tax credits. The project is based on improved plant operating agreements with local UAW bargaining committees and contingent on successful conclusion of negotiations on government incentive agreements.

"Our plan has been to find another product to utilize the plant and to meet our commitment to the UAW," said Jim Padilla, Ford group vice president, North America. "Our partnership with the state and local governments is crucial to making this project viable."

"I was confident that Ford Motor Company would honor its commitment; I'm extremely happy that this vehicle will be built in northern Ohio," said UAW Region 2 Director Warren Davis. "The workforce here is highly skilled and as quality-conscious as anywhere in the world."

"I'm thrilled to help celebrate all the jobs that will stay right here in Ohio where they belong," added Taft. "Ford's decision to expand in Avon Lake affirms Ohio's position as a top location for automotive manufacturing." The plant will cease production of the Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest in late June, resulting in the layoff of about 800 employees. Under the agreement announced today, about 800 replacement jobs will be created in summer 2003. Ongoing production of Ford Econoline and Club Wagon bodies is not impacted.

(May 1, 2002)

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