Ford Motor Co. recently announced plans to invest approximately $1 billion in two of its Sterling Heights facilities over the next four years as part of a larger agreement with the United Auto Workers union that calls for approximately $9 billion in investments at the company’s manufacturing facilities across the country.
“This, along with FCA’s (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) billion dollar-plus investment in the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant is ‘fueling’ massive synergy along the Van Dyke corridor and beyond,” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool. “Sterling Heights is proud to be leading the way with this manufacturing synergy.”
Vanderpool announced the investment at the Nov. 17 City Council meeting.
According to the city manager, Ford’s investment in Sterling Heights will include a $400 million investment in the Sterling Heights Axle Plant at 17 Mile and Mound roads to make new axles for the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator while continuing to make current axles.
“In addition, the Van Dyke Transmission Facility at 18 Mile Road and Van Dyke will realize a $650 million investment to add three new transmissions,” Vanderpool said. “The total investment will exceed $1 billion in Sterling Heights.”
The investment is part of a larger four-year labor agreement with the UAW that was ratified earlier this month.
The agreement, which covers approximately 52,000 employees, calls for raises for all workers, as well as a $8,500 signing bonus. Veteran workers will receive a 3 percent pay raise, their first in a decade. It also includes $9 billion in U.S. product commitments, about half of which is headed for Michigan plants.
According to Vanderpool, Ford’s investment will create about 8,500 new jobs over the next four years.
“This is tangible evidence that manufacturing investments result in significant economic impact to not only Sterling Heights, but the entire region,” he said.
Other areas impacted by Ford’s $9 billion investment include: Michigan Assembly, Chicago Assembly Plant, Dearborn Truck, Flat Rock Assembly, Kansas City Assembly, Kentucky Truck, Louisville Assembly, Ohio Assembly, Dearborn Engine, Cleveland Engine, Lima Engine, Romeo Engine, Woodhaven Engine, Woodhaven Forging, Livonia Transmission, Sharonville Transmission, Van Dyke Transmission, Livonia Transmission, Rawsonville, Buffalo Stamping, Chicago Stamping, Dearborn Stamping/Dearborn Diversified, and the Woodhaven hot metal forming plant.
