Ford Adding 7,000 New Jobs
Ford Motor Co. is using the North American International Auto Show to announce that it's adding 7,000 jobs over the next two years.
Ford Exec. Chairman Bill Ford Jr. says the expansion comes as so many people have worked hard to turn the company around.
"We couldn't be prouder of what we've done over the last four years to get through an incredibly difficult time. To keep our independence, and to do it at a time when we're introducing award-winning products into the marketplace," he said.
Ford CEO Allen Mulally says it's a result of profitably growing the business.
"This was our dream. If we could improve the competitiveness, the fundamental competitiveness of Ford, and we can make cars as well as in the United States and around the world, and make the profitably and grow the business, and be able to announce today that we're going to be adding 7,000 new jobs -- great jobs and great careers the at Ford over the next two years -- it's the all-time proof point for a profitably growing company," Mulally said.
Ford says it will add 4,000 manufacturing jobs and 700 salaried job this year, plus 2,500 more manufacturing jobs in 2012.
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says many, if not most, of those manufacturing jobs will be at the second-tier lower wage, which will also cut Ford's manufacturing costs.
The auto show will be open to the public Jan. 15-23.
