Statement of the Governor on Ford Motor Co.'s Plans to Close Norfolk Plant

Statement of the Governor on Ford Motor Co.'s Plans to Close Norfolk Plant

Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement following today's announcement that Ford Motor Company plans to close its Norfolk truck assembly plant by late 2008 as part of a broader restructuring plan. The Norfolk plant employs about 2,400 workers.

"This is very, very disappointing news. I pledge my administration's best efforts to help these proud, hard-working employees and their families.

"The Norfolk plant has a long and proud history. Company founder Henry Ford helped open the facility in 1925, and in recent years it has been Ford's highest-rated producer of the best-selling F-150 pickup truck.

"I traveled to Ford Motor Company headquarters in Detroit in mid-February, immediately after the company announced 14 domestic plant-closings. I met with top executives of Ford to discuss efforts the Commonwealth was prepared to undertake to ensure the future of the company's Norfolk Assembly plant.

"We will continue to make the case that Ford should reconsider this decision, or at least delay the scheduled date for ending operations at the Norfolk Assembly plant.

"If that effort is not successful, my administration will work with the company, local and regional leaders, organized labor, and others to try to minimize the eventual impact of this announcement on the Hampton Roads community.

"The Norfolk Assembly plant has a skilled, motivated, proven workforce - and my administration will do everything it can to help Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region market this resource to other economic development prospects."

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/2006/Apr06/0413.cfm