Ford Invests $250 Million In Chicago Heights Stamping Plant

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — The Ford Motor Company will be spending as much as $250 million to upgrade its Chicago Heights stamping plants as part of a billion-dollar expansion of its Chicago and south side production of three SUVs.

Renovations are expected to begin in March so the plant can begin manufacturing the 2020 Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor Utility and Lincoln Aviator.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the company said all of the new hires will be assigned to the assembly plant on Torrence Avenue, where there are about 4,600 employees. Mayor David Gonzalez told the Daily Southtown that he isn't sure how many workers would be assigned to the stamping plant in Chicago Heights. About 1,200 people work at there.

The upgrades would focus on redesigning stamping lines, adding a collaborative robot and adding 3-D printing tools. All workers will be trained on new skills, officials said.

“The presence of the Chicago Heights Stamping Plant has been important to the livelihood and success of many people and families of Chicago Heights,” Alderman Josh Deabel said in a statement. “I also know many retired workers of the stamping plant who still live in Chicago Heights who are thankful to have been employed by this plant.”

The announcement was made last Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show.

More details can be found in the full story.

Photo via Getty Images.