New Factory in Brazil a Model for Ford's Future, but the UAW Hates It

DETROIT NEWS--This state-of-the-art manufacturing complex in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia is not only the centerpiece of Ford's Brazilian turnaround plan, it is also one of the most advanced automobile plants in the world. It is more automated than many of Ford's U.S. factories, and leaner and more flexible than any other Ford facility. It can produce five different vehicle platforms at the same time and on the same line.

Watch a fascinating video here of Ford's Camaçari plant.

So who could possibly object to having the most advanced, leanest, most flexible, state-of-the-art Ford facilities like the Camaçari plant built here in the U.S., especially if it will help Ford survive and become more profitable? 

Ford sources said it is the sort of plant the company wants in the United States, were it not for the United Auto Workers, which has historically opposed such extensive supplier integration on the factory floor.

Comments

[Ed House:]

Interesting video and article. The video mentions that the Camaçari factory is full of young workers who are "eager to learn." I wonder what happened to all the old workers? Also the reporter in the video said the plant is a model of effeciency and revolutionary. There's nothing revolutionary about building a gasoline powered car. The last revolutionary car was GMs EV1 and we know what the oil companies did to that vehicle. First they sent Michael Moore after Roger Smith and then Texaco/Chevron bought all the patents.

2008 May 12 10:47 AM

[D. G.:]

Ford could do this in the U S, if it turn around it's very weak and inept management group. If the Jap's can make money on cars, why can't Ford? The answer is weak management.

2008 May 12 10:49 AM

[carlivar:]

The Japanese companies do not employ union labor. If you want to know the biggest reason for American automotive problems, look no further than the unions.

2008 May 12 06:28 PM

[Pioneer:]

The Japanese do employ Union labor. Just not in the United States.

2008 May 12 07:53 PM

[Tania:]

See pictures of NEW Ford Fusion sold in Brazil in January 2009 - full of corrosion - but Ford refuse to replace it:
www.faceford.com/

Mar 23 04:55 PM