Lincoln trumpets $129M investment, 300 new jobs in Louisville for MKC

Tue, 26 Aug 2014

Remember when we used to talk about how close Lincoln was to being axed and how it seemed any day now the Grim Reaper would use it as a car service back to the grave? Last time we did it was, oh, not even a month ago. What a difference 27 days makes: Ford and Lincoln are trumpeting a $129M investment in the Louisville Assembly Plant that builds the MKC.

In July the MKC was the third-best-selling Lincoln of the brand's six offerings, beat by the MKZ and – by a much smaller margin – the MKX. It has sold 2,895 units in the two months it's been on sale, which is more than half the year-to-date sales of the MKS, MKT and Navigator. It's already important, is what we're trying to say, and this is before the Chinese market gets a crack at it later this year.

The money headed to Kentucky will be joined by 300 new workers, another marker in Ford's march to create 12,000 hourly jobs in the US by next year. You can read more about it in the press release below.

Lincoln MKC Brings $129 Million Investment, 300 New Jobs to Louisville Assembly Plant

- Louisville Assembly Plant adds new jobs and investment to help support production of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC

- Ford Motor Company maintains its strong commitment to the commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville through production of the new Lincoln crossover

- MKC gives Lincoln a strong entry in the small premium utility segment, the fastest-growing segment in the luxury automotive market

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 25, 2014 – Today, Ford Motor Company announced the hiring of 300 new employees and a $129 million investment in Louisville Assembly Plant to support production of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC.

Production of Lincoln's newest vehicle began in May. MKC is the second of four all-new Lincoln vehicles being introduced by 2016, and will go on sale in China, along with the MKZ sedan, when the Lincoln brand debuts there later this year.

"Lincoln MKC is an important part of Lincoln as it attracts a new luxury customer," said Daryl Sykes, plant manager, Louisville Assembly Plant. "To have the opportunity to build an all-new vehicle – the first small utility ever from Lincoln – is very exciting for the hardworking men and women at Louisville Assembly Plant."

Lincoln Luxury Validation Center
To ensure the highest commitment to quality, the Lincoln Luxury Validation Center, with locations in each plant, includes inspection team members who take a "white-glove" approach to each vehicle.

At Louisville Assembly Plant, each MKC receives an enhanced inspection at five separate points by a two-person team to ensure fit-and-finish, craftsmanship and functional elements meet premium customer expectations. This attention helps to deliver a vehicle that is as close to perfection as possible so dealers can then provide a true luxury experience in the showroom.

Lincoln MKC, a blend of performance, quality and technology
The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC is performance-minded, luxuriously crafted and technologically savvy to meet the expectations of luxury buyers who want a more personal car-owning experience.

The first small vehicle ever from Lincoln, MKC is the brand's initial entry in the small premium utility segment.

Small premium utility vehicles make up the fastest-growing luxury segment, with more than 600 percent growth since 2008 and nearly 300 percent growth projected between now and 2018.

With a powerful, efficient all-EcoBoost® engine lineup, complemented by an array of premium amenities and technologies that prioritize comfort and convenience, Lincoln MKC targets the growing audience of luxury consumers.

Ford's commitment
In 2010, Ford invested $600 million in Louisville Assembly Plant to transform it into a modern, flexible facility with tooling and facility upgrades in its final assembly area and body shop. This transformation allows for the production of multiple vehicle models at the same time, without requiring downtime for tooling changeover – making Louisville Assembly Plant one of the company's most flexible plants in the world.

Because Louisville can build various vehicles at the same time, Ford Motor Company can more quickly meet demand should changing economic conditions or other events result in shifting customer preferences.

"The UAW and Ford remain steadfast in our commitment to Louisville with the addition of Lincoln MKC to Louisville Assembly Plant's production line," said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. "The 300 new jobs add to the plant's 4,600 UAW team members – a fantastic feat enabled through the collective bargaining between the UAW and Ford to support U.S. manufacturing."

With the addition of the 300 employees, Ford is more than 75 percent of the way toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015.

The new $129 million investment is also helping to support more than 110 suppliers across the United States including 17 in the commonwealth of Kentucky.

Lincoln MKC went on sale in May; through July, 2,895 vehicles have been sold.

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About The Lincoln Motor Company
The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. The Lincoln Motor Company is in the process of introducing four all-new vehicles through 2016. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.

By Jonathon Ramsey