Even As Ford Trims Its EV Truck Production, It Is Adding Workers To Popular Lines

Even as Ford is cutting back on the shifts needed to produce its keystone EV, the F-150 Lightning, the automaker is adding nearly 900 new jobs and a third crew at its Michigan Assembly plant.

Ford Adding 900 New Production Jobs

Ford will add nearly 900 new jobs and the third crew at Michigan Assembly Plant to increase production of the popular Bronco and Bronco Raptor sport-utility vehicles and the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor pickups. 

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Meanwhile, the automaker continues to balance production to meet customer demand for its broad portfolio of trucks, utility vehicles, and cars with a mix of gas, hybrid, and electric powertrains.

Ford is reducing the production of the F-150 Lightning, the top-selling electric pickup in the U.S., to achieve the optimal balance of production, sales growth, and profitability. Ford expects continued growth in global EV sales in 2024, though less than anticipated, and is preparing to launch next-generation EVs.

Ford Adding Jobs To Meet New Demand

Ford announced plans to create nearly 900 new jobs as part of a new third crew at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, to meet demand for the popular Bronco and Bronco Raptor and the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor. 

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The company is moving nimbly across its global footprint to capitalize on its balanced lineup and serve customers with the right mix of gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles while optimizing financial returns.

In addition to nearly 900 net new hires, the new 1,600-person third crew at the Michigan Assembly Plant includes approximately 700 employees from Ford’s Rouge Complex in Dearborn who applied for job openings. 

Ford is adding the manpower this summer to support planned future volume increases for vehicle lines assembled at the plant. The all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor are on track to launch this year. Michigan Assembly Plant will start producing vehicles seven days a week versus five currently, with three crews working two shifts.  

Matching F-150 Lightning production to customer demand

The company can also scale up the production of gas-powered and hybrid F-150 trucks based on customer demand. 

Ford was America’s No. 2 best-selling electric vehicle brand in 2023, and the F-150 Lightning is America’s best-selling electric truck, with sales up 55% in 2023 and further growth forecast for 2024. 

“We are taking advantage of our manufacturing flexibility to offer customers choices while balancing our growth and profitability. Customers love the F-150 Lightning, America's best-selling EV pickup,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “We see a bright future for electric vehicles for specific consumers, especially with our upcoming digitally advanced EVs and access to Tesla's charging network beginning this quarter."

Approximately 1,400 employees will be impacted as the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center transitions to one shift effective April 1. Roughly 700 will transfer to the Michigan Assembly Plant. The others will be placed in roles at the Rouge Complex or other facilities in Southeast Michigan or take advantage of the Special Retirement Incentive Program agreed to in the 2023 Ford-UAW contract.  

A few dozen employees could be impacted at component plants supporting F-150 Lightning production, depending on the number of employees who apply for the Special Retirement Incentive Program. Ford would provide placements for impacted employees within Southeast Michigan. 

Ford Motor Photo

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971. His automotive articles have appeared in venues including Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. You can follow Marc on Twitter or Facebook.