Ford Moves Engine Work From Europe To US -- Adds 450 Jobs

CLEVELAND (WWJ) - Ford is bring more production work back to the United States.

"We're adding 450 jobs to bring the 2-liter engine--which is currently made in Valencia, Spain--over to Ohio to produce the North American production for North American vehicles" said Charlie Binger, manager of Ford's Cleveland Engine Plant.

Interview: Ford Cleveland Engine Plant Manager Charlie Binger talks with Jeff Gilbert

That plant, which was at risk of closing a few years ago, currently builds the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a 3.7-liter V-8. Ford is investing $200 million to prepare the plant for 2.0-liter EcoBoost production, which will begin late next year.

Ford is very enthusiastic about the EcoBoost engine, which allows smaller engines to do the work of larger engines. That can mean significant fuel economy improvements. Ford wants to double global sales of EcoBoost equipped vehicles this year.

"This is our One Ford plan at its best – giving customers the power of choice to decide which fuel-efficient engine is best tailored to their needs," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. "The Cleveland Engine Plant was the first to produce EcoBoost engines and will continue to be a strategic cornerstone of Ford's strategy to deliver affordable fuel economy for millions."

The official announcement made at a ceremony at the plant. Plant Manager Charlie Binger says some of the 450 new jobs will involve new hires.

"It's a mix," he said. "We'll be bringing some folks over clearly from the Walton Hills facility, and maybe a few from Ohio, but also an opportunity for new hires."

Ford says it's now more than halfway to its goal of adding 12 thousand hourly jobs in the U.S. by 2015. For Binger, it's a new future for the 58-year-old Cleveland Engine Plant, a future that could mean even more expansion.

"The auto industry is coming back, and we are seeing some growth in the markets. It's a growth industry even in the U.S. We believe the potential is there."

Connect with Jeff Gilbert
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/carchronicles
Twitter: @jefferygilbert

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