Ford is in the beginning phases of a robust plan to update all manufacturing facilities, and in turn enhance and improve the workplace environment for thousands of manufacturing team members across the U.S.

Some facilities have already received updates, providing some relief to team members who want better food choices and updated restrooms. More improvements are on the way – and soon. During the company’s recent Global Town Hall, Ford’s vice president of manufacturing and labor affairs John Savona acknowledged that improvements are overdue in some instances, telling those gathered “we have to do better. We know that.” Savona added that the company has a comprehensive plan to deliver on improvements to every facility. “If you haven’t seen the difference already, you’re going to see it start soon no matter which facility you work in.”

To do that, Ford plans to invest nearly $1 billion over five years. While improvements will differ by plant, this is the first phase of workplace changes, with more to come. 

Last week, a crew at Buffalo Stamping Plant set up a crane in the front main parking lot. The crane was needed to lift components for a new air handling unit for fan room #7. The components, weighing 1,000 to 6,000 pounds, are needed to replace the older air handler that negatively impacted the plant’s ability to cool several areas of the plant.  The project will be completed in early January, once a new compressor arrives that has been delayed due to supplier issues.    

The fan room #7 project began in August when the team began to demo and prep the room. The prep work included removing the existing air conditioning duct work and modifying the piping to accept the new air handler and compressor.  

This project does not include the upgrades that are also under way to improve fan rooms 8 and 9, along with Buffalo’s fitness center air conditioning systems.