Ford’s Super Duty truck plant to get a $1.3 billion renovation

Ford’s popular F-Series Super Duty line-up just got a boost from the company’s $1.3 billion pledge to upgrade the Kentucky Truck Plant in anticipation of the 2017 F-Series Super Duty.Ford’s popular F-Series Super Duty line-up just got a boost from the company’s $1.3 billion pledge to upgrade the Kentucky Truck Plant in anticipation of the 2017 F-Series Super Duty.

Ford Motor Company will create 2,000 new jobs and invest $1.3 billion in its Kentucky Truck Plant to support the launch of its new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck.

Ford, which is calling its 2017 F-Series Super Duty trucks “the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever” is investing $1.3 billion for a new body shop, facility upgrades and retooling to build the new aluminum-bodied Super Duty truck at Kentucky Truck Plant. Add to that the $80 million invested in 2014 to meet growing customer demand for Super Duty trucks and $129 million to support Lincoln MKC production at Louisville Assembly Plant, and Ford has invested more than $1.5 billion in Louisville in the past two years.

“With the introduction of the all-new Ford Super Duty, America’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup, we expect to continue growing our truck leadership,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Through this investment, we are continuing to show our commitment to Kentucky and the city of Louisville, as well as bringing to customers industry-leading trucks to help them take care of business and earn a living.”

The Kentucky Truck Plant produces F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, as well as Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The plant has produced more than 5 million Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks since it was introduced in 1999.

“Adding new jobs and more investment at Kentucky Truck Plant not only secures a solid foundation for our UAW members, but also strengthens the communities in which they live, work and play,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “Such success highlights our members’ hard work and dedication to building world-class, quality vehicles like the Super Duty.”

Ford began manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 11 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant, which opened in 1969, covers 6 million square feet and employs close to 4,400 people.

“This tremendous investment and commitment to new job creation reconfirms the strength of a more than century-long relationship between Kentucky and Ford Motor Company,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. “We wholeheartedly appreciate Ford’s continued confidence in the commonwealth’s work force and pro-business environment, and we look forward to expanding our relationship in the future.”

Ford says its new 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickup and chassis cab lineup is the toughest, smartest and most capable ever. The trucks feature a new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension.

Ford has added 16 new class-exclusive features and offers up to seven cameras on the 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickups. Adaptive steering technology is designed to make maneuvering easier.

Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the 2017 Super Duty lineup which Ford says offers increased towing and hauling capacities.

There are five models in the Super Duty lineup: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The 2017 Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant and goes on sale late next year.