Testing the UAW Contract: Ford Looks to Boost Escape, Mariner Production
By Michelle Krebs November 29, 2007Ford has few hits these days, but among them are the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner and their
hybrid versions. Dealers have been screaming for more of them for months, since the redesign for the 2008 model year.
Now Ford is looking at ways to crank up production at its Kansas City, Mo. Assembly plant.
The situation marks the first test case of the new UAW contract, which tried to address the need of automakers to be flexible to respond to increases and drop-offs in sales demand.
The Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that the Ford plant there, the only one to make the Escape and Mariner, is looking to boost overtime and Saturday work schedules, without adding a third shift, just in case sales demand slides. A Ford spokesperson confirmed the automaker and the union are discussing ways to boost production.
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