Ford unveils new $500M engine plant in China, doubling production capacity
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Changan Ford Engine Plant has initial capacity of 400,000 units annually, bumping total to 750,000
CHONGQING, China—Ford has cut the ribbon on a new $500-million engine plant in China, more than doubling its production capacity in the nation as part of an aggressive expansion plan.
According to the automaker, the new Changan Ford Engine Plant (CAFEP) in Chongqing, located in Southwest China, has an initial capacity of 400,000 units annually, pushing its total engine production capacity in China to 750,000.
“This new engine plant is world class,” Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement.
According to Ford, the plant will initially manufacture both 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder and 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engines.
“The engines produced here and the process by which they are manufactured represent the latest in sustainable and green manufacturing processes,” Mulally said. “The 1.5- and 1.0-litre engines produced will help power Ford’s continued growth here in the world’s largest automotive market.”
The engines will be used in the Ford EcoSport and Fiesta models, according to the automaker.
Ford is hoping the new facility will help support its plans to roll out 15 new vehicles in China by 2015.
