Ford to add 2,000 jobs in Chicago area under contract deal

[NNN0LHI]

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/business/8029366-420/ford-to-add-2000-jobs-in-chicago-area-under-contract-deal.html

BY FRANCINE KNOWLES Business Reporter October 4, 2011 9:44AM

The UAW and Ford reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that will mean 2,000 new jobs in the Chicago area, including 1,100 new jobs and a new shift at the company’s Chicago assembly plant next year if workers approve the deal, the union and Illinois politicians said Tuesday.

Ford now employs roughly 2,700 workers in Chicago at the Torrence Avenue plant, which produces the Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer on two shifts. It also employs 900 workers at its Chicago Heights stamping plant.

Ford plans to add 1,100 workers at the Chicago assembly plant next year and an additional 900 workers at the stamping plant and assembly plant within the next four years.

It’s part of a plan to add 5,750 factory jobs nationally under the deal, on top of 6,250 Ford announced earlier this year, for a total of 12,000 jobs by 2015. Ford also pledged to invest $4.8 billion in its U.S. factories, including $200 million in the Chicago area.

[ThatsMyBarack]

1. Looks good on paper....

I'll believe it when I see it.

[MineralMan]

2. Jobs is jobs.

I'll keep watching.