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Ford To Add 850 New Jobs At Rouge

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Ford is adding some new jobs at its historic Rouge complex.

"We'll be adding 850 new jobs here at the Rouge Center so support production of this great all-new F-150," said Ford President of the America's Joe Hinrichs, at a mid-morning ceremony.

The workers have already been hired, says Hinrich, as Ford gets ready to launch the new truck, following an overhaul of the Dearborn Truck Plant. 500 of the jobs will be at Dearborn Truck, with 300 at Dearborn Stamping, and 50 jobs added at the smaller Dearborn Diversified plant.

"This has really been the rebirth of Michigan," said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles. "It's because of what the manufacturers have, particularly Ford. So, I stand here elated."

As part of the 2011 contract with the UAW, Ford agreed to hire 12,000 more manufacturing workers. They've hired 14,000. Include salaried workers, said Ford's Joe Hinrichs, and Ford has hired 23,000 people in the past four years, half of them in South East Michigan.

The good news comes as auto stocks, particularly Ford stock, have been falling in price in recent weeks. There are concerns about rising costs, and the cost of turning around money-losing operations in South America and Europe.

However, Hinrichs said he feels a lot of good news is being overlooked.

"Auto sales are strong," he said. "The consumers are there. Our business is doing well. And, we have the freshest line-up in the industry coming next year."

But some analysts are concerned about the risk Ford is taking by changing the F-150 to an all-aluminum body. The vehicle is expected to reach the market before the end of the year. Hinrichs wouldn't give a specific target date.

"Everything's going to plan," said Hinrichs. "I'm personally reviewing the products every week. We're getting updates on a nightly basis. Believe me, it's getting all the attention it needs. But, so far, so good."

Connect with Jeff Gilbert
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/carchronicles
Twitter: @jefferygilbert

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