LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co.'s Louisville Assembly Plant saw its last Explorer SUV come off the line on Thursday.
The plant is shutting down for a $600 million renovation. The Courier-Journal reports it will reopen late next year with new body, paint, and trim assembly lines equipped to produce multiple fuel efficient models. They will include a newly designed Escape compact SUV.
United Auto Workers Local 862 Building Chairman Steven Stone said everyone at the plant cheered as the last explorer left the assembly line. Then workers took turns autographing it.
Most of the 1,064 workers at the plant will be laid off with substantial pay and continuing medical benefits. Roughly 200 workers will help demolish the plant's interior and install new equipment.
The plant is shutting down for a $600 million renovation. The Courier-Journal reports it will reopen late next year with new body, paint, and trim assembly lines equipped to produce multiple fuel efficient models. They will include a newly designed Escape compact SUV.
United Auto Workers Local 862 Building Chairman Steven Stone said everyone at the plant cheered as the last explorer left the assembly line. Then workers took turns autographing it.
Most of the 1,064 workers at the plant will be laid off with substantial pay and continuing medical benefits. Roughly 200 workers will help demolish the plant's interior and install new equipment.
