Ford's new deal with UAW will bring 1,600 new jobs to Claycomo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -  Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon is lauding a tentative deal between Ford Motor Corp. and the UAW that would mean a $1.1 billion investment into the automaker’s Claycomo manufacturing plant and translate into 1,600 new jobs for the Kansas City area.

UAW members have yet to ratify the deal, but if approved, it would also mean Ford’s 41,000 existing workers at manufacturing plants would get a $6,000 signing bonus.

In a statement released by his office announcing the number of new jobs that would come to Claycomo, Nixon said the following:

“This is a historic day for Missouri. On day one as Governor, I made it clear that bringing next-generation automotive production to Missouri would be a top priority for my administration. We work hard every day to live up to that commitment by investing in job-training, education and other critical priorities. Last year, we passed the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act during a special session to bring next-generation vehicle production to our state and to keep thousands of automotive workers employed at Ford and its network of suppliers in every corner of Missouri. Today’s announcement is the culmination of more than two years of negotiations between my administration and Ford, and is a strong sign that Missouri will be a manufacturing state for generations to come. Because of Missouri’s outstanding workforce, our strong business climate and the tools included in the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act, workers will be building the next generation of Ford vehicles right here in the Show-Me State. We look forward to working closely with Ford and the UAW as we bring the automotive jobs of the future to Missouri.”

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves issued the following statement Tuesday following the announcement:

“At a time when our economy desperately needs jobs, this expansion hits the spot. The Claycomo plant has been great for our region and great for Ford. The investment is a testament to the quality work done by the thousands of workers at this plant every single day. This agreement will ensure Ford vehicles continue to be made in Missouri for a long time to come.”