Partnership Focuses on Future Following Ford Closure in Cleveland
05/09/2007 - The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, issued a statement regarding Ford’s announced closure of its Brook Park casting plant.
Joe Roman, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership issued the following statement about Ford’s Cleveland operations:
|
“While the closing of a plant of any size is unfortunate, the closure of a plant the size of Ford is particularly difficult for the region. The announcement, however, was not unexpected, nor is it a fatal blow to the region.
“Ford is focused on its global survival in a changing market and this decision was obviously a difficult one. Rather than fight this decision, the region should focus on the future of the Ford employees and the valuable manufacturing plant that will remain in Brook Park.
“The Greater Cleveland Partnership was approached by the City of Brook Park a couple of weeks ago to participate in devising a positive and proactive plan for the future of the casting plant site. While we are not planning to petition Ford to alter its business decision, we are prepared to help mitigate the negative impact and explore other opportunities – with the city and the company.
“The plant’s location—near two highways, rail lines an international port and an international airport—make it a prime spot for either future Ford operations or another employer.
“Manufacturing remains an important segment of the region’s economy, with more than 13,000 manufacturers employing approximately 350,000 residents of our 16-county region. The productivity of our local manufacturers continues to improve dramatically and Ohio’s new tax code helps position us to attract additional investments to the area.”
|
The Brook Park casting plant makes cast iron crankshafts for Ford’s four-cylinder engines, as well as bearing caps, engine blocks and other items. Reportedly, Ford is closing this facility because the casting business is not central to the company’s forward focus. The company also has announced that it will end casting production at Ford facilities in Leamington, U.K., and Windsor, Ont., Canada.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and improve the economic vitality of the region. Its priorities include technology, innovation and high-growth businesses; connected physical development; education and workforce development; and business attraction, retention and expansion.
