Ford to Shutter Cleveland Casting

Ford Motor Co. plans to shutter its Cleveland Casting Plant in 2009, as part of its ongoing Way Forward North American restructuring strategy.

The move is in line with Ford’s commitment to match its manufacturing capacity with customer demand, as well as move away from in-house casting operations, the auto maker says. The auto maker recently announced it will cease casting production at Ford facilities in Leamington, U.K., and Windsor, ON, Canada.

Cleveland Casting, which opened in 1952, employs 1,100 hourly and 118 salaried workers. It produces cast-iron components for engines for Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, E-Series Vans and Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

“These are difficult actions, and we’re approaching them with great sensitivity because they involve our people,” says Joe Hinrichs, vice president-North American Manufacturing.

“However, operating an efficient and competitive manufacturing business is key to our Way Forward plan to transform our business back to sustained profitability,” he says.

Meanwhile, Ford says it will defer production at Cleveland Engine No.1, beginning in two weeks, for approximately one year, to align capacity with demand.

Production will be deferred to Ford’s Lima, OH, engine plant, where the Duratec 3.5L engine is produced.

Previously, Cleveland Engine No.1 made the Duratec 3.0L. When it resumes production, the plant will build the 3.5L and a variant for the Lincoln MKX sedan.

If demand warrants, the engine plant could resume production earlier than anticipated, Ford says.