By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Local and state officials met with Ford Motor Company executives Thursday.
They're trying to convince the automaker to keep its Hazelwood assembly plant open.
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and Hazelwood Mayor T.R. Carr traveled to Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
Carr said the meeting went well. But he would not give details on the proposal they offered the company.
"I think these talks were very productive," Carr said. "I would say they were no less productive than any talks that we've had before. And what made me encouraged is that I think the process will continue. And of course we're waiting for Ford's announcement later in the month, but even then, we're still going to continue the process."
Ford could close as many as five North American plants as part of a major restructuring plan. Details on that could come later this month.
In 2003 local leaders got the company to keep the plant open through 2007.
The facility produces Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs. It employs about 1,450 people.