In Sharonville, Ohio, Ford Motor Company is highlighting its U.S. manufacturing capabilities as it celebrates updates to two of its most popular vehicles. These vehicles are built with transmissions manufactured at the Sharonville plant, which operates around the clock and employs 2,000 workers—representing one quarter of Ford’s 7,800 manufacturing employees in Ohio. The facility spans an area equivalent to 42 football fields.
Ford officials report that thousands of the upgraded Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition have been shipped as of Wednesday, amid President Trump’s efforts to pursue a trade war aimed at bringing more manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. On Tuesday, the White House suggested measures to reduce the impact of a 25% tariff on auto parts, imported vehicles, and materials such as aluminum, easing pressure on American automakers.
Ford CEO Jim Farley stated, “Ford welcomes and appreciates these decisions by President Trump, which will help mitigate the impact of tariffs on automakers, suppliers, and consumers. We will continue to work closely with the administration in support of the president’s vision for a healthy and growing auto industry in America.”
Higher tariffs could increase vehicle costs and disrupt Ford’s supply chain, which includes multiple factories in China, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. This week, Ford will emphasize the 12,000 jobs at its two Louisville assembly plants while also recognizing its network of facilities providing critical parts and support.
Ford is a significant employer in Ohio, operating four facilities in the state: an assembly plant in Avon Lake, engine factories in Cleveland and Lima, and the Sharonville transmission plant, located 17 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Opened in 1958, the 2.4 million-square-foot facility produces 3,500 transmissions daily for some of Ford’s most popular vehicles.
One out of eight of Ohio’s 688,000 manufacturing jobs are in the auto industry, employing 85,000 workers, with most making auto parts for assembly elsewhere. In Greater Cincinnati, the auto industry employs 9,400 workers.
Ford is closely monitoring President Trump’s trade war, as noted in its annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Tariffs could disrupt supply chains, impose additional costs, and make products less competitive.
— new from Cincinnati Enquirer