Ford expands auto operations in Michigan, Trump applauds
DETROIT — Ford Motor (F) is investing $1.2 billion in three Michigan facilities, including an engine plant where it plans to add 130 jobs.
President Donald Trump applauded the move in an early morning tweet.
Ford will spend $850 million to upgrade the Michigan Assembly Plant next year to build the Ford Ranger pickup and Ford Bronco SUV. The suburban Detroit plant currently makes small cars, which are moving to a plant in Mexico.
Ford will spend $150 million to upgrade its Romeo Engine Plant outside Detroit. The company says it will create or retain 130 jobs at that plant.
Big announcement by Ford today. Major investment to be made in three Michigan plants. Car companies coming back to U.S. JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2017
Ford is also spending $200 million on a data center that will store information collected from advanced vehicles.
Michigan state government is expected to approve $30 million in tax incentives for Ford on Tuesday.
Mr. Trump’s tweet read: “Big announcement by Ford today. Major investment to be made in three Michigan plants. Car companies coming back to U.S. JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!”
He has held several meetings at the White House with auto executives since taking office that often included Ford’s chief executive, Mark Fields.
The president has vowed to create jobs by creating incentives to deter companies from outsourcing their employment needs. He says he will ease regulations and reduce taxes to encourage companies to hire American.