Ford announced a multi-year plan that will see an overhaul of the 60-year old Dearborn campus into a modern facility to speed vehicle development and lay the groundwork to become a leader in the field of mobility. The effort will see some 30,000 employees currently scattered in 70 buildings brought into two primary locations: a new Product Campus and a new World Headquarters Campus. As part of the undertaking, over 7.5 million square feet of work space will be rebuilt and upgraded.
Sustainability and quality of work life
Slated for completion in 2021, the Product Campus will include a new 700,000-plus square-foot Design Center as well as a Sustainability Showcase building that will be able to produce more energy than it consumes. At that point, the remake of the World Headquarters Campus will begin. Ford promises each of these new functional areas will feature the latest in connectivity, accessibility and life quality designs, highlighted by open green spaces, autonomous vehicles, on-demand shuttles, eBikes and a host of new onsite employee services including on-site dining facilities and fitness centers.
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While Ford remains committed to supporting its core business of designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing cars, SUVs, trucks and electrified vehicles, it also plans to leverage the assets of Ford Smart Mobility as well as its expertise in big data and analytics to take a leadership role in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles and the overall customer experience.
Mobility transition
“As we transition to an auto and a mobility company, we’re investing in our people and the tools they use to deliver our vision,” said Ford President and CEO Mark Fields in announcing the program. “Bringing our teams together in an open, collaborative environment will make our employees’ lives better, speed decision-making and deliver results for both our core and emerging businesses.”
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Fields sentiments were echoed by Bill Ford, Ford executive chairman who noted: “Just as the Rouge manufacturing renovation completed in 2003 set a new standard for sustainability, we expect to do the same as we transform our campuses into a modern, efficient complex that enhances the environment. This project incorporates thoughtful ways to improve the environmental footprint of our facilities, while creating a vibrant workplace that inspires our employees.”
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