Governor Quinn Announces Ford Increasing Production, Adding Jobs in Illinois

CHICAGO - October 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Ford Motor Company will invest up to $200 million to expand its Chicagoland facilities and add a third shift at its Chicago Assembly Plant. The state will provide Ford with a business investment package that will support the creation of 1,200 jobs and continue to strengthen the Illinois economy.

"Creating jobs for Illinois workers is our number one priority," Governor Quinn said. "This investment package not only will help create 1,200 new jobs and boost the local economy, but it will ensure the next generation of Ford vehicles are built by Illinois workers - the best workers in the world."

Ford is making major investments at its Chicago Assembly Plant located on the city's far south side, as well as its Chicago Heights Stamping Plant. The company plans to add a third shift at Chicago Assembly, where it already produces the Taurus, Lincoln MKS and the Explorer. Ford's investment also supports the launch of new police interceptors - a sedan and a SUV. In addition, additional jobs will be created at Ford's supplier park near the Assembly Plant and at Chicago Stamping to support increased production and the insourcing of the police interceptors.

"I want to thank Governor Quinn for his continued strong support of Ford," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas. "The state's investment package is a critical component in helping support our investment in Illinois and in creating additional jobs."

Earlier today, Ford and the United Auto Workers announced member approval on a new four-year labor contract.

The state's business investment package will include Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credits, which are based on job creation, and grants for infrastructure upgrades and job training. This expansion builds upon the 1,200 new jobs and $400 million investment the state helped Ford make in 2010 to produce the new Explorer SUV.

"We have shown time and again that Illinois has the resources businesses need to stay ahead of the curve. This is another example of how our strategic investments are helping to create jobs and keep the Illinois economy moving forward," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley.

In 2010, Site Selection magazine named Illinois one of the top states for corporate facility expansions. Illinois has launched the largest capital development program in the state's history - keeping the state at the cutting edge, from roads to highways to broadband development. Governor Quinn's leadership also helped to pass reforms to Medicaid and worker's compensation that will save businesses more than $500 million annually. For more information on why Illinois is the right place for any business, visit www.ildceo.net.