While Ford’s situation in Europe is bordering on desperate, in America, they are working over capacity to keep up with the demand. They announced today that all of their American plants are working at an average capacity of 114%, the highest level for thirty years.
Jim Tetreault, Ford Vice President of North American manufacturing, said: “Our manufacturing costs have gone down this year. Two things are driving that, capacity utilization and entry-level workers. No question, those two things have lowered our costs.” This year alone, they have even hired some 5,200 workers throughout their plants, to keep up with demand, 4,800 of which are entry-level workers, which receive $16 per hour, which is roughly half of what veterans are getting.
Also, with no sign of anything bad coming their way, they will be adding an additional shift at their Flat Rock, Michigan factory, next year, which means that they will be hiring an additional 1,200 extra workers.
Also, with no sign of anything bad coming their way, they will be adding an additional shift at their Flat Rock, Michigan factory, next year, which means that they will be hiring an additional 1,200 extra workers.