US – The OEM is spending $1.5 billion on a new bodyshop, facility upgrades and retooling to support production of the latest F-Series truck. The investment will also create 2,000 jobs.
There are now five models in the Super Duty line-up: the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The new version features a high-strength steel frame and aluminium-alloy body, plus stronger axles, springs and suspension, according to Ford.
Kentucky Truck Plant makes the F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pick-ups and chassis cabs, as well as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The factory has produced over 5m F-Series Super Duty vehicles since the launch in 1999.
Ford started manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 13 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant opened in 1969 and now covers 6m sq.ft, with a workforce of nearly 4,000 people.