Earning blue
ribbons is our business in the Show-Me State. And now, we are making that
statement hold true in the auto world.
The Ford plant in
Claycomo produces America’s best-selling van the Ford Transit (GoodCarBadCar),
and the top-selling Ford F-150 (Motor
Trend). The General
Motors plant in Wentzville manufactures the Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, as
well as the top-ranked Chevy Colorado (2016 Motor Trend Truck of the Year) and GMC Canyon (2015 Best of the Best
Truck Finalist, Auto Week).
Last year’s production
numbers show that Missouri-made vehicles are in demand and more popular than ever.
Production numbers, sales figures and exports all point to the same conclusion:
the world is buying and driving an increasing number of vehicles made in the
Show-Me State.
In 2016, total
production at these Missouri plants jumped 15 percent. Additionally, output
increased by 98,835 vehicles from 2015 to 2016, with a total of nearly 750,000
cars produced in the Show-Me State.
According to Auto Alliance, Missouri’s auto industry accounted for $7.31 billion in
sales in the year 2016. And our Missouri-made vehicles are now on driveways
around the world. According to the latest export figures, transportation
equipment was the top commodity, and sales increased 33 percent from 2015 to
2016, from $1.4 to $1.7 billion.
Revving up
Historic investments by Ford
and GM created a domino effect on Missouri’s auto industry, with automotive
plant and after-market product suppliers also launching expansions across the
state. In fact, in recent years dozens of suppliers have invested nearly $2.3
billion in new or upgraded facilities.
Just last year, Dana Light Axle Products announced
plans to expand its manufacturing plant in Columbia,
where it currently produces parts for major auto manufacturers including Ford,
GM and Nissan. The company’s $39 million expansion is expected to create 135
new jobs over the next few years.
Made in Missouri muscle
Even the most
well-oiled machine cannot work unless it’s put together properly. More and more
auto companies are realizing when it comes to tapping into the best auto
workforce, there’s no place like Missouri.
More than a quarter-of-a-million
highly skilled and trained Missourians are employed in the manufacturing
industry, and are ready to help auto companies take their vehicles to the next
level.
Missouri’s
competitive business environment and central location, combined with the skills
of our top-notch workforce, continue to position the state as a premier
destination for automotive manufacturing. The rebirth of the auto industry is
happening right here.
If you’re ready
to take us for a spin, visit the Missouri Auto Portal to learn more about
tailored resources for everything auto.
Help us spread the
news through Facebook and Twitter! If you’re looking for a great place to
visit, live, get an education, or start a business, you can find resources and
information at mo.gov or ded.mo.gov.
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