One could imagine the eerie silence yesterday at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, when production ended at 1:30 pm and the last vehicle rolled from the assembly line.
The plant isn't closing or ceasing to produce vehicles- though production is shifting to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars for 2010. Joe Hinrichs, group VP of Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs, explains.
"Ford is committed to delivering a balanced product lineup for our consumers. The conversion of Michigan Truck Plant represents another step in our transformation plan to meet market demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles."
The plant occupies nearly 3 million square feet and has produced millions of vehicles since it opened in the 50's as a station wagon plant. The Wayne Truck Plant has produced the F-Series, Bronco, Expedition and Navigator models. Production of some of these vehicles will now move to Kentucky.
"This great workforce produced quality vehicles up to the very last one they built," said Mike Torolski, plant manager. "We now are focused on our next phase - converting the truck plant to a car plant to begin producing global C-car based vehicles in 2010."
About 1,200 employees were on hand to pay tribute to the plant's legacy.
photo:Ford
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The plant isn't closing or ceasing to produce vehicles- though production is shifting to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars for 2010. Joe Hinrichs, group VP of Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs, explains.
"Ford is committed to delivering a balanced product lineup for our consumers. The conversion of Michigan Truck Plant represents another step in our transformation plan to meet market demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles."
The plant occupies nearly 3 million square feet and has produced millions of vehicles since it opened in the 50's as a station wagon plant. The Wayne Truck Plant has produced the F-Series, Bronco, Expedition and Navigator models. Production of some of these vehicles will now move to Kentucky.
"This great workforce produced quality vehicles up to the very last one they built," said Mike Torolski, plant manager. "We now are focused on our next phase - converting the truck plant to a car plant to begin producing global C-car based vehicles in 2010."
About 1,200 employees were on hand to pay tribute to the plant's legacy.
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photo:Ford