Chicago to Gain 1,200 Manufacturing Jobs Thanks to Favorable Labor Contract

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced a major boost to the city's economy, with Ford Motor Company set to create 1,200 manufacturing jobs at its plant on Torrence Avenue. The jobs, which will contribute to the city's growing economy and competitiveness, are a direct result of the United Auto Workers union's approval of a new labor contract. This significant investment by Ford will bring a third shift to the plant, which will produce Police Interceptor vehicles for use by law enforcement across the country. In addition to the 1,200 jobs at the plant, several hundred more will be created across the street at Ford's supplier park, supporting the third shift.

Key Takeaways:

• 1,200 high-paying manufacturing jobs will be created in Chicago as part of the new contract, with a third shift to be added to the plant on Torrence Avenue.
• The jobs will include production of Police Interceptor vehicles for use by law enforcement across the country, supporting 230 additional jobs directly.
• The Ford facility's supplier park will also create several hundred more jobs to support the third shift, growing to meet the company's employment needs.
• Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas, credits Mayor Emanuel and his team for addressing key infrastructure issues supporting Ford's increased production in Chicago and new jobs.
• The agreement will also lead to the addition of 400 jobs at Ford's nearby facility in Chicago Heights, producing materials that support facilities in Chicago.
• The new jobs in Chicago were created without any incentives from the city, a direct result of Mayor Emanuel's efforts to make the city more attractive to large employers.

Statistics:

• 1,200 manufacturing jobs will be created in Chicago as part of the new contract.
• 230 jobs will be directly supported by the production of Police Interceptor vehicles.
• Several hundred more jobs are expected to be created at Ford's supplier park in support of the third shift.
• 400 additional jobs will be added at Ford's facility in Chicago Heights.
• No incentives were provided by the city of Chicago for the creation of these jobs.

Sources:

• Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Office of the Mayor