Ford invests $900 million in Kentucky plant

Ford plans to invest $900 billion in its Kentucky Truck Plant as part of a strategy to improve operational fitness, the company said.

The plant will manufacture the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition for export.

In 2015, Ford invested $1.3 billion in the plant for the manufacture of the Ford Super Duty.

“Large SUVs are attracting a new generation around the world – and we’re finding new ways to deliver the capability, versatility and technology that customers around the world really want with our all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president, and president of global operations, said. “At the same time, we also have looked at how we can be more successful in the small-car segment and deliver even more choices for customers in a way that makes business sense.”

When it comes to cars, the company is investing in the Ford Focus. A revamped plan saves $1 billion in investment costs by cancelling a proposed factory in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Most new Focuses sold in North American will be manufactured in China and later Europe beginning during the second half of 2019. Until then, the Focus will be manufactured in Michigan.

The Michigan truck plant will switch to SUVs in 2018.