Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Ford Motor Company will invest $150 million to make significant upgrades to its Hamburg facility, just outside Buffalo. The new machinery and state-of-the-art equipment will allow the Ford Stamping Plant to remain competitive, secure its long-term presence in the region and retain 640 full-time, permanent jobs and create 350 new jobs in Western New York.
“Ford’s $150 million investment in its Hamburg facility is proof positive of Western New York’s status as a leading hub of advanced manufacturing,” Governor Cuomo said. “By going the extra mile with this major investment, Ford is cementing their competitiveness in the region while keeping and adding hundreds of good-paying jobs right here in Western New York. As we work to attract and retain businesses, the State is committed to providing the support needed to drive our economy and keep it moving forward.”
The Western New York stamping plant is the only remaining stand-alone Ford stamping plant, all others were either closed or integrated with assembly facilities. Ford’s investment will include the upgrading and addition of multiple press lines. The cut blanks, or pieces of metal that are stamped into car parts, will enable Ford to ship these blanks to any Ford plant in the country. The Hamburg plant is closely tied with the Oakville, Ontario assembly plant, considered by Ford to be one of the most competitive and important facilities in the Ford system.
“Ford Motor Company is proud to partner with New York State and Governor Cuomo to keep this stamping plant going strong,” said Paul Kosaian, Director of Manufacturing, Stamping Operations, Ford Motor Company. “This is an investment that expands the plant’s manufacturing capabilities, ensures the relationship with the Oakville site, and keeps Western New Yorkers working to fill the growing demand for the Ford F250, F-350, Flex, Edge, Focus and Econoline as well as the Lincoln MKX and MKT.”
Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development provided a state incentive package valued at $7 million to assist Ford in the development of its project in Western New York. A $5 million NY Works Fund capital grant will be used for a portion of the machinery and equipment purchases associated with facility renovation. The Ford Motor Company also qualified for up to $2 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from the state in return for Ford’s investment and job creation commitments. In addition to this $7 million incentive package, the Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board is recommending an award of $1 million for training 100 new employees.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner said Kenneth Adams, “Ford has a better idea for its stamping plant in Hamburg. It is making the plant better by investing in state-of-the-art assembly lines. It is making the employment outlook better by providing well-paying jobs that will support families now and far into the future. New York State is proud to have played a part in Ford’s better idea for Western New York – just one of the many positive projects that are moving the local economy forward.”
The Ford Stamping Plant in Hamburg opened in 1950. It currently employs approximately 600 people who work to make doors, quarter panels, body sides, hoods, fenders and floor panels.
New York State Senator Mark Grisanti said, “Ford is shifting its manufacturing facility into high gear in Hamburg New York. Ford and New York State have their GPS devices set for the same destination. We are set for success. We are set for creating jobs. We are set to be a center for advanced manufacturing. We are set to move towards a future that is bright as Governor Cuomo and businesses continue to make big investments in Western New York.”
New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, "Today's announcement is a huge win for the Town of Hamburg, and for advanced manufacturing in Western New York. The investment of over $100 million into the Ford Stamping Plant in Hamburg shows how important the Western New York labor force is to the Ford Motor Company, and I thank them for making this commitment to manufacturing and auto industry jobs right here in the Town of Hamburg. I am also pleased that New York State is investing in the upgrades at the Ford Stamping Plant. Advanced manufacturing is a top priority here in Western New York, and the investments announced today from the Ford Motor Company and New York State are making that priority a reality."
Scott Adams, director UAW region 9 said, “It's huge for the Stamping plant, for the UAW members, and the community. This investment in new machinery and lines will eventually lead to this plant operating with nearly a thousand employees. That's tremendous growth that really gives present and future workers some long-term viability.”
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 180,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov). The mission of Empire State Development is to promote business investment and growth that leads to job creation and prosperous communities across New York State. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.
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