Ford will start additional production of the Escape SUV at its Ohio assembly plant in summer 2003. This will add at least 45,000 units to the 260,000 units currebtly built for both Ford (Escape) and Mazda (the almost identical Tribute) at a Kansas City plant.
The state of Ohio has provided a package of incentives, including training funds, grants and tax credits, and the project is based on improved plant operating agreements with local UAW bargaining committees and also subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations on government incentive agreements.
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The Ohio plant’s long-term future had been under scrutiny following the announcement that Ford would cease production of the Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest minivans there in late June, resulting in the layoff of about 800 employees.
Under the new agreement, about 800 replacement jobs will be created in summer 2003. Ongoing production of Ford Econoline and Club Wagon bodies is not impacted.
