Ford and Mazda released a joint investment which will see an additional $350 million into their AutoAlliance Thailand facility, bringing their running total since 1995 to $1.85 billion.
This facility, located in Rayong, Thailand, will be used to produce the next-generation compact pickups which will share a platform and many parts between Ford and Mazda . Ford’s next small pickup will continue to wear the Ranger badge, but is not currently scheduled for U.S. consumption.
In addition to funding the necessary upgrades and tooling changes to produce the next-generation truck, some of the funds will also go towards workforce training and development so that the automakers can ensure that all AAT employees are ready to build the truck at the highest quality level possible.
“This new investment in AAT reinforces Ford Motor Company’s long-term commitment to Thailand as a strategic manufacturing base for our global operations,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Motor Company, Asia Pacific and Africa. “The new production line, with the support of the hard working employees at AAT, and the continued commitment of our Thai suppliers, will raise the bar in flexibility, efficiency, quality and environmentally-friendly production at AAT.”
Thanks to this investment, the automakers expect to begin production at the facility in mid-2011.
