Ford is in discussions with several companies for the sale of its vacant Wixom assembly plant which was shut down in 2007. The automaker has been trying to sell portions of the 4m sq ft plant for a long time.
Ford has commenced the first stage of a massive demolition project at the site, reported the Detroit News. Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer Menards has expressed interest in buying a portion of the site as it plans to enter the Metro Detroit market for the first time in 2013. Menards’ spokesman Jeff Abbott said: “We’re working on a deal, but nothing has been finalised just yet.”
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Ford did not comment on the sale deals but said it is in talks with various companies for the sale. Ford intends to sell majority of the site but will retain 32 acres of the total property for environmental management reasons.
Ford had received US$20m in state tax credits in December 2011 to redevelop the site. The tax credits are being utilised to demolish around 1m sq ft of the plant on the south-eastern corner of the site. The automaker does not have a definite timeline for demolishment of the remaining 3m sq ft of the plant.
