Ford Motor introduced Tuesday that it would cancel plans for a $1.6 billion Mexico plant and launch a Michigan enlargement in a transfer that could be seen as a capitulation to Donald Trump.
Ford CEO Mark Fields mentioned the firm would spend $700 million and add 700 jobs to “remodel and develop” its Flat Rock, Mich. manufacturing plant to make autonomous and electrical automobiles.
“Make no mistake about it — Ford is a world automaker however our residence is correct right here within the United States,” Fields mentioned at a press convention.
The transfer marks a pointy reversal for Ford, which has defended its manufacturing in Mexico at the same time as Trump has assailed the corporate for increasing there.
“This is a vote of confidence for President-elect Trump and some of the policies he may be pursuing,” Fields mentioned.
To make sure, Ford acknowledged that it could nonetheless transfer manufacturing of the next-generation Focus sedan to Mexico, as beforehand introduced. But it can be constructed at an present plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, not at a brand new facility.