Andy Nurman
January 20, 2024
Ford announced plans to create 900 new jobs by adding a third production crew at its Michigan Assembly Plant. The move aims to increase output of the popular Bronco, Bronco Raptor, Ranger, and Ranger Raptor vehicles amid strong customer demand.
Conversely, Ford is reducing production of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup in a move to balance growth, demand, and profitability of its vehicle portfolio encompassing gas-powered, hybrid and electric models.
The new Michigan Assembly Plant crew will enable Ford to boost production of the Bronco, Bronco Raptor, Ranger, and Ranger Raptor to meet rising customer appetite for these vehicles. The plant will transition to a seven day per week schedule across three production crews working in two shifts.
In addition to the 900 new hires, roughly 700 employees will transfer from Ford’s Rouge Complex to fill roles in the new crew. Overall Michigan Assembly Plant employment will rise to around 2,500 when the additions are complete this summer.
Simultaneously, Ford aims to right-size F-150 Lightning production by moving its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center to one shift starting April 1st. The cutbacks will impact around 1,400 employees.
Roughly 700 F-150 Lightning workers will transfer to the new Bronco and Ranger production jobs in Michigan. The remainder will be reassigned to other Ford facilities in Southeast Michigan or take retirement packages.
The moves exemplify Ford’s strategy to nimbly ramp production of models with strongest demand while optimizing profitability across its lineup spanning gas-powered, electric and hybrid variants. The company remains bullish on growth in global electric vehicle sales, especially with its next generation models on the horizon.
