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Ford
executives confirm importance of KC assembly plant
During an automotive supply chain briefing last week, Birgit
Behrendt, Ford’s vice president for global programs and purchasing operations, confirmed
that the company is very happy with the production and capability of the Kansas
City Ford Assembly Plant in Claycomo. Behrendt addressed more than 400
individuals during the industry briefing sponsored by KC SmartPort at Bartle
Hall, using phrases including “seamless
cooperation,” “unparalleled work
ethic,” and “the ultimate,
integrated supply chain” to describe the company’s KC operations.
She noted that the F-150 pickup and Transit van, both
manufactured at the company’s KC plant, are “a backbone” of Ford’s growth in a
“world-class logistics hub.”
According to Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, 11
new automotive industry suppliers have created 1,800 jobs with a total payroll
of $74 million in the Kansas City area in the last few years alone. In
addition, Ford has poured $1.1 billion into expansions in Kansas City, as well
as hired thousands of new workers. (Click
on the video below to view the expansion announcement of Ford’s latest local
supplier, U.S. Farathane, which will invest $51.6 million and create 267 jobs
in Riverside.)
 Additionally, a panel of speakers at the event said
repeatedly that the Kansas City area is well positioned for continued strength
in the automotive industry. The host of automotive suppliers that have chosen
to locate in the area recently definitely speaks to the region’s strength in
the industry, and the area’s strong rail and highway networks create a
logistical dream for developers.
To find out more about the recent automotive supply chain
briefing in Kansas City, please click
here to access the full article from the Kansas City Star.
To view a timeline of Missouri’s automotive resurgence,
please click on the image below or visit governor.mo.gov/auto. You can also
find information about Missouri’s auto industry on our Automotive Portal.
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