In a strategic move to meet the soaring demand from Ford Pro customers, Ford Motor Company is expanding its North American assembly operations. By adding a third assembly plant, the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, Ford aims to increase its production capacity for the F-Series Super Duty trucks by 100,000 units, including future multi-energy technology.
This decision aligns with the Ford+ plan, which emphasizes profitable growth through maximizing manufacturing capabilities, strengthening global truck leadership, and expanding the Ford Pro commercial business. The expansion will initially create approximately 1,800 jobs at the Oakville Assembly Complex and an additional 150 jobs at the Windsor Engine Complex, with further job additions and overtime in U.S. component plants.
Ford remains steadfast in its commitment to developing a profitable electric vehicle (EV) business, leveraging its position as America's second-largest EV brand and its expertise in three-row utility vehicles. The company plans to invest around $3 billion to enhance Super Duty production, including $2.3 billion for new assembly and integrated stamping operations at Oakville. Once completed, the Oakville plant will be fully flexible, accommodating various production needs.
Jim Farley, Ford President and CEO, highlighted the importance of the Super Duty lineup for both businesses and individuals, noting the current production limits at the Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant. The additional production capacity at Oakville will help meet the high demand and support Ford’s electrification strategy by introducing multi-energy technology to the next generation of Super Duty trucks.
The expansion will not only secure jobs but also accelerate the return of Unifor-represented employees at Oakville Assembly Complex by a year. Moreover, the Windsor Engine Complex will see a boost with the addition of 150 jobs to manufacture more V8 engines for the Super Duty trucks.
Kumar Galhotra, Ford Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that this investment will benefit Ford, its employees, and customers, aligning with the Ford+ plan for global manufacturing optimization. The move also promises a fast return on investment.
Ford’s expansion efforts will extend to U.S. component plants, including Sharonville Transmission Plant in Ohio, Rawsonville Components Plant in Michigan, and Sterling Axle Plant in Michigan, adding investments, new jobs, and overtime to support Super Duty production. Across its powertrain, transmission, stamping, and assembly operations, Ford’s 10 U.S. plants directly employ approximately 20,000 workers dedicated to Super Duty production.
As the leading producer and seller of trucks in America, Ford supports over 500,000 jobs through its extensive truck production network, including F-150 plants in Michigan and Missouri, and Super Duty plants in Kentucky and Ohio.
The Oakville Assembly Complex’s new capacity will complement existing production at the Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant, which have already produced over 200,000 Super Duty trucks in the first half of 2024. This expansion will help address the strong demand from Ford Pro customers, especially those in industries like mining, utilities, emergency services, and construction, where Super Duty holds significant market shares.
Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro, underscored the high and durable demand for Super Duty trucks, driven by ongoing infrastructure spending and construction activities. The increased production will support businesses, tradespeople, and first responders who rely on these robust vehicles.
By expanding its production footprint and investing in future technologies, Ford continues to lead in the truck market, ensuring its Super Duty lineup remains the top choice for heavy-duty truck users.
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