Gov. Nixon Issues Statement on Tentative Labor Agreement Between Ford, UAW to Invest in Missouri

Press Release

After more than two years of negotiations on expanding automotive manufacturing in Missouri between his administration and Ford Motor Co., Gov. Jay Nixon today said the tentative labor agreement between Ford and the UAW will be a historic development for next-generation manufacturing in the state. Tentative plans announced today indicate that Ford will bring $1.1 billion in new investment and more than 1,600 additional automotive jobs to Kansas City over the next four years. The agreement is subject to ratification by UAW members before it takes effect.

As tentatively announced today, the agreement calls for Ford to invest $1.1 billion into upgrades and expansion at the company's plant at Claycomo. This expansion will include building a next-generation vehicle, expanding current operations, and adding additional facilities at the Claycomo facility. In total, these expansions will bring the Claycomo workforce to approximately 5,400.

Gov. Nixon and his administration have been in close communication with Ford about expansion plans over the past year. Last summer, Gov. Nixon called the General Assembly into special session to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act to provide economic tools to help Ford and other automotive manufacturers and suppliers bring next-generation vehicle production to Missouri. Ford will take advantage of tools included in the Manufacturing Jobs Act as part of this expansion.

"This is a historic day for Missouri. On day one as Governor, I made it clear that bringing next-generation automotive production to Missouri would be a top priority for my administration. We work hard every day to live up to that commitment by investing in job-training, education and other critical priorities," Gov. Nixon said. "Last year, we passed the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act during a special session to bring next-generation vehicle production to our state and to keep thousands of automotive workers employed at Ford and its network of suppliers in every corner of Missouri. Today's announcement is the culmination of more than two years of negotiations between my administration and Ford, and is a strong sign that Missouri will be a manufacturing state for generations to come. Because of Missouri's outstanding workforce, our strong business climate and the tools included in the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act, workers will be building the next generation of Ford vehicles right here in the Show-Me State. We look forward to working closely with Ford and the UAW as we bring the automotive jobs of the future to Missouri."

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