Ford Launches New Manufacturing and Engine Plant in Sanand
Ford Launches New Manufacturing and Engine Plant in Sanand; Debuts New Ford Figo Aspire
US $1billion state-of-the-art Sanand Vehicle Assembly and Engine Plant officially opens; Doubles annual installed capacity in India to 610,000 engines & 440,000 vehicles
Ford Figo Aspire to be the first vehicle from plant; Sub-four-metre design backed by quality manufacturing to redefine expectations in the compact car segment
SANAND, GUJARAT, India, 26 March, 2015 – Ford Motor Company today inaugurated its integrated manufacturing facility including a state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing facility and a world-class engine plant in Sanand, Gujarat.
The Ford Figo Aspire, a new sub-four-metre compact sedan, will be the first car to roll-out from the new plant.
The launch of Ford’s integrated manufacturing facility was attended by Smt. Anandiben Patel, Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat in presence of Sh. Saurabhbhai Patel, Minister of Finance and Sh. Vijaybhai Rupani, Minister of Transport along with senior officials from the government of Gujarat.
“With today’s opening of our plant in Sanand, we have taken our growth commitment to a new high in India,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO, who attended the event. “We are doubling our manufacturing capacity in India, creating good jobs and serving our customers around the world with great products.”
Since breaking ground in September 2011, Ford has invested over US$1 billion in the two facilities in Sanand, which, spread over 460 acres, include stamping, body, paint and assembly operations for vehicle manufacturing, as well as machining and assembly operations for engine manufacturing.
The vehicle manufacturing plant in Sanand will have an initial installed annual capacity of 240,000 units, while the engine plant will have an initial installed annual capacity of 270,000 engines. Ford’s Sanand plant will launch with single shift operations supported by approximately 2500 employees. The plant also will generate employment of more than 7500 across tier I suppliers and the rest of the value chain.
Redefining Manufacturing Excellence
“With some of the world’s best technologies, Ford is stronger than ever to meet the needs of Indian customers and provide them what they need and aspire for,” said Nigel Harris, president and managing director, Ford India.
Ford’s Sanand plant redefines manufacturing excellence with its state-of-the-art modern equipment and advanced technology to deliver quality products.
The state-of-the-art press shop, for example, will not only ensure that we produce the highest quality parts, but it will also maintain an exceptionally clean environment for employees with positive ventilation being deployed.
The paint facility at Sanand will use Ford’s innovative three-wet paint process that allows three coats of paint to be applied and dried simultaneously. The energy efficient process significantly reduces wastage, energy consumption and helps in lowering paint shop carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent.
Building a Better World for Our Communities
Building a better world for the communities in which we do business has been a cornerstone to Ford’s success around the world. In line with its growth aspirations, Ford remains steadfast in its commitment.
Even ahead of the Sanand launch, the company has undertaken several projects to support education, health and sustainability in the local community.
For example, Ford is working to provide safe drinking water to children in kindergartens run by the government in 70 villages. The company has introduced its Happy Schools program in 10 schools close to the plant, designed to address gaps in academic support, health, nutrition and infrastructure requirements that restrict schools from imparting holistic education.
Additional benefits for the community will come from our suppliers who have also moved to the Gujarat area setting up facilities within close proximity to Ford’s plant, bringing in additional investment and creating employment opportunities.