Ford is investing €600 million in its Saarlouis Vehicle Assembly Operations, in Germany, in preparation for the production of the next‑generation Ford Focus.
“This €600 million investment reconfirms Ford’s continuing commitment to Germany, our main centre of operations in Europe,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We employ more than 25,000 people in Germany – more than anywhere else in Europe.
“We have extensive vehicle and engine manufacturing facilities in both Saarlouis and Cologne, which is also home to a major design and engineering operation, and responsible for developing vehicles for customers worldwide. Furthermore, we have the Ford Research and Innovation Center, in Aachen, working on future technologies.”
The investment follows improvements in cost efficiency and productivity at Saarlouis, in line with the German Works Council agreement signed in June 2014, and which also confirmed Cologne as the single European source for the next-generation Fiesta – the latest example of Ford’s top-selling nameplate in the region – which will go into production later this year.
The Saarlouis investment is for state-of-the-art production equipment, logistical support, and energy supply projects. Of particular importance is the investment in two new press systems that enable hot stamping of high-strength boron steels. The technique enables the steels to be processed directly into car body parts, supporting lightweight construction in vehicle production.
Part of the investment also includes a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy supply. In cooperation with STEAG New Energies, Ford is employing five new cogeneration units in the plant to supply electricity and heating for the plant while reducing CO2 emissions by 20 per cent.
“Make no mistake, Germany is vital to Ford’s global business, not only today but – as this significant €600 million investment in Saarlouis shows – also into the future,” said Farley.
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 52,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911
