WAYNE, Mich. (WXYZ) - Ford Motor Company will turn the now-vacant Michigan Truck Plant into the new
home of the automaker's new fuel efficient, global vehicle.IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHT, WATCH ACTION NEWS REPORT FOLLOWED BY FORD'S ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENTGovernor Granholm joined Ford executives in announcing details of a $550 million investment in the former Michigan Truck Plant Wednesday morning.
The plant will be renamed the Michigan Assembly Plant and will produce the first redesigned Ford Focus cars.
Now, the first of Ford's small, global platform vehicles is due to come off the assembly line late in 2010.
The plant will also build a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market, which is expected to debut in 2011.
An estimated 3,200 jobs will be created in Michigan because of the plant conversion
Tuesday, Ford received unanimous approval for a series of tax credits from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
It allows the project to go forward, and keeps the investment and jobs in Michigan.
Louisville, Kentucky and locations in Europe were also vying for the project.
The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were formerly produced at the Michigan Truck Plant. The plant ceased production in November of last year.
It's good news for workers, the city of Wayne and local businesses.
The city of Wayne has also provided tax abatements in support of the project.
Ford will also get tax incentives for convincing suppliers to locate in Michigan in support of the plant.
