By B. Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – Negotiations to reverse Ford Motor Company's plans to shut down its assembly plant in Hazelwood have been successful.
Missouri Governor Bob Holden confirmed today that the automaker has taken the facility off of its closure list.
Ford had announced last year that the plant, which makes several sport utility vehicles, would be shut down by mid-decade. But Hazelwood Mayor T. R. Carr says successful negotiations between Ford and the United Auto Workers helped pave the way for the reversal.
"The Hazelwood assembly plant does have a future. We're looking forward to the ratification of the contract by the UAW and positioning this plant to be able to secure a new product line once the current generation of vehicles comes to a normal close," Carr said.
Carr would not reveal details of the agreement to keep the plant open but a statement from the Governor says the area will provide tax credits, property tax breaks and job training assistance to Ford.