Ford Opens $450 Million Factory in Thailand

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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has opened a new US$450 million plant in Rayong, Thailand. The new factory will begin producing the FocusFord Focus Gen.3 [III]United States of America, 2012 > present10 versions
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next month and will build seven other Ford products later on. The factory has a capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year and will directly employ 2,200 workers. 

“The opening of this new, world-class facility is the latest example in our aggressive growth plan for this region, which represents Ford’s largest industrial expansion in half-a-century,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

The new factory will be able to stamp parts, assemble body panels and do final assembly. The production line allows Ford to build six different vehicles on a single line allowing Ford to bring new models out faster. 

To be more environmentally friendly, it has an on-site waste water treatment plant. Ford is using LED bulbs throughout the building, and the paint shop uses rotational-dip technology to reduce water and energy use. 

The new factory is located at Ford's industrial park called AutoAlliance Thailand, which is located near the ports in the southern parts of the country. The area already produces the Ford RangerFord Ford Ranger (UK) Gen.2United Kingdom, 2011 > present22 versions
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and Ford FiestaFord Fiesta Gen.6United States of America, 2008 > 2017204 versions
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. 

Since 2007, Ford has invested $1.5 billion in new plants and expansions in Thailand.