LANSING – State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today applauded the decision by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) to approve approximately $159 million in tax incentives for Ford Motor Co. to convert its former truck plant in Wayne into a flexible manufacturing facility to produce smaller, fuel efficient vehicles. The project is expected to retain 3,200 jobs and create an additional 1,500 jobs at the Wayne facility over the next five years.
"I commend Ford for making this investment in our community and our economy," Corriveau said. "With our unemployment rate nearing 13 percent and our automakers dealing with one of the bleakest periods in their history, this is great news for Michigan's economy, as well as the many skilled and talented workers in Wayne. This project will not only retain and create jobs for our hard-working residents, it will help boost our economy and set the stage for the next generation of auto manufacturing right here in Michigan."
Ford Motor Co. plans to invest more than $400 million to revamp its Wayne facility to begin building the European version of its Ford Focus by next year, as well as a battery-powered electric version of the Focus by 2011. Ford Motor Co. estimates that the project will create more than 17,000 jobs in Michigan and generate $774 million in state revenue by 2021.
"Ever since the first Model-T rolled off the production line in 1908, Ford has been a leader in automotive technology," Corriveau said. "This investment will go a long way toward continuing that tradition and revitalizing the auto industry as well as our economy."