“With today’s opening of our
plant in Sanand, we have taken our growth commitment to a new high in India,”
said Fields, adding that “We are doubling our manufacturing capacity in India,
creating good jobs and serving our customers around the world with great
products.”
Since the ground breaking
ceremony in September 2011, Ford has invested over US$1 billion (Rs 6264 crore
approx.) in the two facilities in
Sanand, which, spread over 460 acres, include stamping, body, paint and
assembly operations for vehicle manufacturing, as well as machining and
assembly operations for engine manufacturing.
The vehicle manufacturing
plant in Sanand will have an initial installed annual capacity of 240,000
units, while the engine plant will have an initial installed annual capacity of
270,000 engines. Ford’s Sanand plant will launch with single shift operations
supported by approximately 2500 employees. The plant also will generate
employment of more than 7500 across tier I suppliers and the rest of the value
chain, said a press note from Ford.
Redefining Manufacturing Excellence
“With some of the world’s best
technologies, Ford is stronger than ever to meet the needs of Indian customers
and provide them what they need and aspire for,” said Nigel Harris, president
and managing director, Ford India. The state-of-the-art press shop, for
example, will not only ensure that we produce the highest quality parts, but it
will also maintain an exceptionally clean environment for employees with
positive ventilation being deployed.