Ford Motor Company is investing $1.3 billion in its Kentucky Truck Plant to support the launch of the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck. As with the Ford F-150, the new Super Duty pickup truck has been improved with advanced materials and continues the company’s commitment to aluminum. The pickup features a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body, along with a high-strength steel frame. This 350 lb weight reduction enables the Super Duty to have more towing and hauling capability than ever before, as well as allowing components such as axles, hubs and brakes are larger and stronger to support work demands.
“With the introduction of the all-new Ford Super Duty, America’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup, we expect to continue growing our truck leadership,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Through this investment, we are continuing to show our commitment to Kentucky and the city of Louisville, as well as bringing to customers industry-leading trucks to help them take care of business and earn a living.”
This new investment will include construction of an all-new body shop, facility upgrades, and retooling to build the new aluminum-bodied Super Duty truck. The Kentucky Truck Plant produces F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, as well as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The plant has produced more than 5 million Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks since it was introduced in 1999.
Additional Investment
Ford also announced that its Ohio Assembly Plant will support additional production of the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty chassis cab. That includes the F-350, F-450, and F-550, in regular and crew cab configurations.
Opened in 1974, Ohio Assembly Plant employs nearly 1,400 people and is one of the largest employers in Lorain County. In addition to the Super Duty chassis cab, the Ohio Assembly Plant produces the new Ford F-650 and F-750, Ford E-Series cutaway vans and stripped chassis.