Ford Oakville to get some Super Duty Production 1800 jobs created.

[Oac98]

Unifor members to build Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks at Oakville plant

July 18, 2024

OAKVILLE—Unifor welcomes today’s announcement that Ford Motor Company will begin production of F-Series Super Duty trucks at the Oakville Assembly Complex in summer 2026 as well as both conventional and electrified versions of the Super Duty later this decade.

“This new retooling plan for the Oakville plant addresses our union’s concerns with Ford Motor Company’s decision to delay new vehicle production for a period that was too long, too disruptive, and too harmful to accept,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Working with our local unions and company executives, we came to an agreement that will not only see our members back to work sooner, it protects our members’ jobs well into the future.”

Under the new plan, Ford Motor Company will begin installation of tooling and equipment for Super Duty production and an integrated stamping facility at the Oakville Assembly Complex this summer. Production of the current generation Super Duty is forecasted to begin in 2026. Later in the decade, Oakville will begin producing the next-generation Super Duty, including an electrified version of the pickup. Oakville will be the sole initial source of multi-energy Super Duty production.

Production at the Oakville plant ceased with the final Ford Edge rolling off the assembly line in May 2024. Super Duty truck production will replace previous production plans to build Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in Oakville. In April 2024 the Company announced its decision to delay the launch of BEV production from 2025 to 2027. The delay would have resulted in Unifor Local 707 members being laid off for more than three years.

Since the delay was announced in April 2024, Unifor has been engaged in negotiations with the company to push for additional support mechanisms for workers and an accelerated resumption of production at Oakville.

“Finding a solution to support our members was multi-layered and extensive,” said Local 707 Oakville Plant Chairperson Marc Brennan. “This shift in direction reaffirms Ford Motor Company’s commitment to our members.”

In addition to the accelerated timeline for the launch of Oakville’s next product, the union also succeeded in extending and enhancing the income security transition provisions originally negotiated during 2023 bargaining.

Ford’s new product commitments will result in an additional investment of $500 million on top of the $1.8 billion Ford Motor Company committed in 2020. As a result of the production volumes of Super Duty trucks in Oakville, Ford anticipates increasing engine production volumes at the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario which employs Unifor Local 200 members.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O’Keefe at kathleen.okeefe@unifor.org or by cell at (416) 896-3303.

[Andrew L]

Good news for Oakville!

 

I have heard over and over again throughout the years that Ford couldn't sell more Expeditions and Navigators because Kentucky Truck Assembly Plant was at capacity, and they always prioritized the Super Duty trucks over the SUVs.  I wonder if this would correct that issue if true.

[morgan20]

Congratulations my Unifor brothers and sisters at OAC. About time the big shots at Ford got their heads out of their asses!

[Oac98]

Just now, morgan20 said:

Congratulations my Unifor brothers and sisters at OAC. About time the big shots at Ford got their heads out of their asses!

Let’s hope it’s a two shift operation. I said that they’re creating 1800 jobs I’m not sure if I heard right. I will wait til the details are out from local 707. Thanks for the congrats, let’s hope the plan doesn’t change again. 

[Oac98]

6 minutes ago, Andrew L said:

Good news for Oakville!

 

I have heard over and over again throughout the years that Ford couldn't sell more Expeditions and Navigators because Kentucky Truck Assembly Plant was at capacity, and they always prioritized the Super Duty trucks over the SUVs.  I wonder if this would correct that issue if true.

It is good news as Heavy Duty pick ups will be some of the last to be electrified. I believe the 3 row BEV goes to Mexico on GE2 platform. I seen a picture of the frame of the three row but I cannot post it here as I don’t want to get fired. It is long and low swooping roof like Lincoln Star concept I don’t think it’s horrible and looks better than that tarp picture that was seen.

[akirby]

I told you they would shit can the 3 row EVs (for Oakville at least) and the delay was just a stall tactic while they figured out what to do.

 

I presume this will free up space in Louisville for the new smaller EVs.

 

Good news for the OAP folks!

[akirby]

9 minutes ago, Andrew L said:

I have heard over and over again throughout the years that Ford couldn't sell more Expeditions and Navigators because Kentucky Truck Assembly Plant was at capacity, and they always prioritized the Super Duty trucks over the SUVs.  I wonder if this would correct that issue if true.

Depends on what happens with Escape/Corsair and the new EVs.

[Broncofan7]

So Ram drops the Hemi, their sales drop to like 500K (iirc), and Ford adds all this capacity. Great job Ford!!! Congratulations to all those getting jobs and good luck!

[fordmantpw]

This is great news for OAP!  I'm intrigued about the electrified and "multi-energy" Super Duty!  The end of the decade will be the time to replace my '22...

 

11 minutes ago, akirby said:

Depends on what happens with Escape/Corsair and the new EVs.

 

How does that affect it?  Different plants.  KTP and LAP.

[Oac98]

22 minutes ago, akirby said:

I told you they would shit can the 3 row EVs (for Oakville at least) and the delay was just a stall tactic while they figured out what to do.

 

I presume this will free up space in Louisville for the new smaller EVs.

 

Good news for the OAP folks!

I have to give you credit Akirby, you are a smart man. How do you feel about this plan? They say 1800 jobs which I don’t understand because OAC has over 2800. A pick up truck would need more employees wouldn’t it? Yes it is good news that’s forsure but I hope all employees are back.

[ExplorerDude]

This is phenomenal news!!! Congrats to the OAP team! Your workforce was too good to sit idle for 3.5 years. And adding Super Duty production is a great way to expand F-Series sales, getting it closer to that 1 million a year sales goal (one day).

 

Yes, the 3 row EVs look to be going to the Cuatitlan plant. Which is where they were originally supposed be built before their major design / program changes.

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

[OacRookie]

6 minutes ago, Oac98 said:

I have to give you credit Akirby, you are a smart man. How do you feel about this plan? They say 1800 jobs which I don’t understand because OAC has over 2800. A pick up truck would need more employees wouldn’t it? Yes it is good news that’s forsure but I hope all employees are back.

Depends on how many people took the buyout. It says 1800 initially so could go up or down? Isn't Ohio Assembly supposed to move on to a different vehicle in the future perhaps giving us more capacity at OAC. For now it looks like we are an overflow plant?

[T-dubz]

Congrats guys! Makes me laugh though going from BEVs to the complete opposite super duties 😆

[Sherminator98]

42 minutes ago, akirby said:

I presume this will free up space in Louisville for the new smaller EVs.

Louisville (Escape/Corsair) and KTP (SD/Expedition and Navigator) are two different plants in Kentucky

 

 

 

12 minutes ago, ExplorerDude said:

This is phenomenal news!!! Congrats to the OAP team! Your workforce was too good to sit idle for 3.5 years. And adding Super Duty production is a great way to expand F-Series sales, getting it closer to that 1 million a year sales goal (one day).

 

Yes, the 3 row EVs look to be going to the Cuatitlan plant. Which is where they were originally supposed be built before their major design / program changes.

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

Quite a change over the past couple years going from 5 EVs down two EVs that got delayed to building the Super Duty. I wonder what the expectations are-do they think they can sell another 100-200K SD a year?

 

Reading in between the lines on this-I wonder if this means the Mach E goes away in Cuautitlan in a few years? Given that a small EV is being worked on that more or less is a replacement for the Escape, which the same platform is used on the Mach E, it would make sense to consulate it with whatever is coming to replace the Escape. The Mach E would be the performance EV and maybe get the Mustang coupe next decade? 

 

 

[Footballfan]

51 minutes ago, ExplorerDude said:

This is phenomenal news!!! Congrats to the OAP team! Your workforce was too good to sit idle for 3.5 years. And adding Super Duty production is a great way to expand F-Series sales, getting it closer to that 1 million a year sales goal (one day).

 

Yes, the 3 row EVs look to be going to the Cuatitlan plant. Which is where they were originally supposed be built before their major design / program changes.

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

Three row could go to BOC?

[akirby]

52 minutes ago, ExplorerDude said:

 

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

Probably because of the electrification plans and the new battery plant there.  I think there were government agreements at stake with the battery plant.

[akirby]

38 minutes ago, T-dubz said:

Congrats guys! Makes me laugh though going from BEVs to the complete opposite super duties 😆

Super duty will be electrified - sounds like a full EV (maybe with a range extender) and a hybrid.

[akirby]

1 hour ago, fordmantpw said:

 

How does that affect it?  Different plants.  KTP and LAP.

I forgot they were 2 different plants in Louisville.  

[Oac98]

1 hour ago, ExplorerDude said:

This is phenomenal news!!! Congrats to the OAP team! Your workforce was too good to sit idle for 3.5 years. And adding Super Duty production is a great way to expand F-Series sales, getting it closer to that 1 million a year sales goal (one day).

 

Yes, the 3 row EVs look to be going to the Cuatitlan plant. Which is where they were originally supposed be built before their major design / program changes.

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

I believe some of this move has to do with the last UAW battle? Anyone agree? Sure it could be a capacity thing too but it just makes me wonder if that’s part of the motivation for this move. Ford changes plans so much, good lord! Cuatitlan now will be GE2 as originally planned I predict like you said. Louisville skunkworks products. Multi energy at OAC I guess is Hybrid electric and gas. Thanks, this is great news it will be even better if they can maintain current staffing levels.

[Bob Rosadini]

1 hour ago, ExplorerDude said:

This is phenomenal news!!! Congrats to the OAP team! Your workforce was too good to sit idle for 3.5 years. And adding Super Duty production is a great way to expand F-Series sales, getting it closer to that 1 million a year sales goal (one day).

 

Yes, the 3 row EVs look to be going to the Cuatitlan plant. Which is where they were originally supposed be built before their major design / program changes.

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

That sounds like a logical plan..keep the fragmented production in one plant that is marking time until all phases are good to go.

[Oac98]

1 hour ago, OacRookie said:

Depends on how many people took the buyout. It says 1800 initially so could go up or down? Isn't Ohio Assembly supposed to move on to a different vehicle in the future perhaps giving us more capacity at OAC. For now it looks like we are an overflow plant?

The union quickly needs to clarify this as it’s a big issue, the hope is that workforce is maintained through attrition or however possible 

[rmc523]

1 hour ago, ExplorerDude said:

This is phenomenal news!!! Congrats to the OAP team! Your workforce was too good to sit idle for 3.5 years. And adding Super Duty production is a great way to expand F-Series sales, getting it closer to that 1 million a year sales goal (one day).

 

Yes, the 3 row EVs look to be going to the Cuatitlan plant. Which is where they were originally supposed be built before their major design / program changes.

 

It does make me wonder why they didn’t just keep Super Duty production entirely at KTP and not move Expedition and Navigator to OAP. 

 

Definitely interesting news - I'd guess maybe because they don't want to devote a whole plant to solely Expy/Navigator to safeguard against sales swings by keeping it anchored with a product less susceptible to those swings?

 

As mentioned above, though, I'd imagine that this move will allow them to skew KTP more toward Expy/Nav if they want, given they'll be able to produce more overall SD volume between the two plants.

 

That said, this doesn't come online for another 2 years, so we're still looking at limitations to both for that period of time, which will affect the new gen of Expy/Nav about to debut....

 

I'm curious what, if anything else, will be added to OAP down the road.

[Flying68]

15 minutes ago, akirby said:

Super duty will be electrified - sounds like a full EV (maybe with a range extender) and a hybrid.

I think will be more along the lines of what I want to see which is a hybrid super duty using the same basic system as the F-150 hybrid but with a larger battery (probably not plug-in at first) paired with a bigger EM on the 10R140 mated to the the 6.8L or 7.3L gasser.  I think right now Ford is hearing about the desire to have the 7.2kW Powerboost option on the F-250 for contractors and campers alike.  I would expect the F-250/350 would get something closer to a 50 kW motor that produces about 300 lbft of torque.  The extra battery size (like a 2 or 3 kWh) would provide the needed capacity for extended uphill towing and more room for regenerative braking capacity on the downhill.

[ExplorerDude]

48 minutes ago, Oac98 said:

I believe some of this move has to do with the last UAW battle? Anyone agree? Sure it could be a capacity thing too but it just makes me wonder if that’s part of the motivation for this move. Ford changes plans so much, good lord! Cuatitlan now will be GE2 as originally planned I predict like you said. Louisville skunkworks products. Multi energy at OAC I guess is Hybrid electric and gas. Thanks, this is great news it will be even better if they can maintain current staffing levels.

You read my mind! Yes, I think the Super Duty being added to OAP is also a “response” to the toxic UAW negotiations last year and the KTP being the first plant to go down on strike. That hurt Ford badly being the company’s single most profitable plant in the world.

 

Ford had prioritized F-Series production to be exclusively in the US for a long time. I think Bill Ford and Farley felt personally burned by the UAW’s tactic to go after that plant first and this decision was a direct reflection of that. 
 

But the UAW can’t really complain as the added Super Duty production is going to Canada to a Unifor plant and not to a spot in Mexico. Ultimately Ford wins on multiple fronts here and so does OAP.

[Sherminator98]

1 hour ago, Footballfan said:

Three row could go to BOC?

 

If anything, I'd expect an EV Ranger and Bronco to go there first, since it will be building an EV pickup already. 

 

Given the timing with the Mach E with it approaching 7-8 years on the market by the time the three  rows come out, it might be just easier to replace that and move the Mach E to the new skunkworks small EV.