Trump Tweets, Ford Announces $1.2B Plan, Fleetingly Mentions Jobs

DEARBORN, MI — After an early morning tweet from President Trump promised a “major announcement” that would create jobs in Michigan, Ford Motor Co. said it is investing $1.2 billion in three Michigan manufacturing plants, including $850 million at the Michigan Assembly Plant as the company resurrects its popular Ford Ranger in 2018 and Ford Bronco in 2020.

But as for Trump's all-caps, multi-exclamation-point promise of "JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!," Ford said only that it will create or retain 130 jobs and invest $150 million to expand capacity for engine components for several vehicles, including the Ranger and Bronco, at Romeo Engine Plant in Michigan.

Additionally, Ford is investing $200 million for an advanced data center at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant to support the company’s expansion to an auto and a mobility company. It is the second of two new data centers Ford is building in Michigan, as the company expects its data usage to increase 1,000 percent — driven by manufacturing and business needs and new mobility services, such as more connected, autonomous and electric vehicles.

Ford announced in January that it is investing $700 million and adding 700 direct new jobs to create a factory capable of producing high-tech electrified and autonomous vehicles.

“At Ford, we are investing aggressively in building on our strengths today – including trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, performance vehicles and SUVs – while at the same time growing our leadership in electrification, autonomy and mobility services,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas, said in a statement. “As America’s top producer of automobiles, we are proud to be going even further in our commitment to invest in manufacturing here at home.”

Ford is on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting of the Michigan Strategic Fund, which invests in companies that creates jobs, which Trump touted in his tweet.

Trump and the Dearborn automaker have had an uneasy relationship. Throughout the campaign and in the early days of his presidency, Trump has singled out Ford for its investments in Mexico and has pledged to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, which allows for tariff-free trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Image: Ford Executive Vice President and President of the Americas for Ford Motor Company, Joe Hinrichs announces plans for a 2020 Bronco at the North American International Auto show in Detroit on Jan. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)