It’s no secret that Ford plans to put all of its chips into making and selling EVs moving forward. But while past investments have focused on existing plants and models, they were mere stepping stones towards a larger objective, in this case, an $11.4 billion investment that will see the creation of the first-ever “Blue Oval City,”
Tennesse Campus To Be Called “Blue Oval City”
The fore-mentioned investment will be split into two parts, with the first chunk being used in a $5.6 billion “mega campus,” which will be called “Blue Oval City.” The name is not a mere cry for attention either, with the massive complex being the size of a small city. The 6-square mile complex will house facilities that will cover vehicle production and battery production and even a small supplier park. This is also not the first time that Ford has embarked on a project that borderlines on city creation, but you will have to rent a time machine from your local hertz dealer to see it. Once you do set the dial to the 1920s, and you’ll find yourself in Fordlandia, which was created in Brazil to produce rubber (as well as cleverly avoiding British dominance in rubber supplies.) The town is still around, but it’s far removed from its days as a remote tire-producing outpost.
While “Blue Oval City” will be created for a far different purpose, it will follow in the footsteps of its obscure ancestor by being a potent job creator with Ford claiming that the complex will create 6,000 new jobs and serve as a hub of innovation and production for next-generation F-Series models. Ford even revealed that the plant would be friendly to the environment with the goal of using renewable resources and green production methods. Those two items will be essential, with Ford claiming that it aims to complete carbon neutrality by 2025.
Kentucky Based Battery Plant To Be Key Supplier For Battery Packs
The remaining money will go towards a collaboration effort that Ford is doing with SK Innovation to build a battery supply hub known as the “BlueOvalSKBattery Park,” which will set up shop in Glendale, Kentucky. While it’s not as ambitiously sized as “Blue Oval City,” the 1,500-acre site will be home to two battery plants responsible for supplying battery packs to both Ford and Lincoln. However, that’s all Ford is willing to share for now, with Ford declining to get into some of the essential specifics.
What the company was willing to reveal, though, is that the facilities will help add 5,000 jobs to the state, which will be a welcome boost to Kentucky’s economy, especially when the site becomes fully operational.
“This is a transformative moment where Ford will lead America’s transition to electric vehicles,” stated Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford. Meanwhile, Ford CEO Jim Farley offered a more ambitious take on the state of affairs, revealing, “This is our moment-our biggest investment -to help build a better future for America.” “We are moving now to deliver breakthrough electric vehicles for the many rather than the few. It’s about creating good jobs that support American families, an ultra-efficient, carbon-neutral manufacturing system, and a growing business that delivers value for communities, dealers, and shareholders.”
Today’s announcement will undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the industry, especially with the sheer size and scope of “Blue Oval City,” which could morph into a blueprint for other automakers to follow as they strive to beef up their electrification efforts.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.