DETROIT (AP) — Ford will retain nearly 3,750 jobs and build a new vehicle at a Missouri plant that was in danger of closing.
Ford is ending production of the Escape SUV later this year at the Claycomo plant near Kansas City. It will make the new Escape in Louisville, Kentucky.
The company won't say which new product is coming to the Missouri plant. It plans to invest $400 million in the site. The plant also makes the F-Series truck.
The Claycomo plant was in danger of closing before the state granted tax incentives last fall.
Ford, GM and Chrysler have all announced plans to retain or hire new workers as the economy and auto sales improve. Ford said last week it plans to add 7,000 workers over the next two years.