Ford Motor Co.
(
F
) is increasing its workforce at the Flat Rock Assembly plant by
adding roughly 1200 workers, according to sources. The new
employees will be engaged in the production of the 2013 Fusion
sedan at the Detroit-area plant.
Ford expects to attract more buyers with the upcoming 2013 Fusion
midsize sedan and the newly launched Escape crossover. In addition,
growth in the midsize car segment will further benefit the company.
Fusion, featuring a sharp, chisel design ensures fuel efficiency
and is one of the best selling vehicles along with
Toyota Motor Corporation
's (
TM
) Toyota Camry,
Honda Motor Co.
's (
HMC
) Accord and
Nissan Motor Co.
's (
NSANY
) Nissan Altima.
Fusion was initially produced only in Mexico. However, the company
decided to shift some production to the U.S. after the labor
contracts (passed in 2007 and 2011) reduced its costs in the
country.
.
Ford plans to enlarge its workforce at Flat Rock Assembly plant
from the next year. The company will be employing some new workers.
In addition, the workers who were laid off in other plants will
also form a part of the workforce. Ford also plans to invest $555
million for new equipment at the plant, which will be used for
producing Fusion.
Currently, the Flat Rock plant, which is jointly owned by Ford and
Mazda Motor Corp., produces Ford Mustang, providing job to roughly
1,700 workers. However, Mazda has shifted the production of its
Mazda 6 midsize car to Japan.
Ford and other automakers are hiring people at a rapid pace to meet
the rising demand in U.S. It is anticipated that sales in U.S. will
grow by 12% to 14.3 million in 2012.
Michigan-based Ford is one of the largest automobile producers
worldwide. The company is divided into two segments: Automotive and
Financial services. Although the U.S. is Ford's primary selling
ground, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific constitute its
other major markets.
Currently, Ford retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a
short-term (1 to 3 months) Hold rating.
FORD MOTOR CO (F): Free Stock Analysis Report
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