Ford to add 1,200 workers at Detroit plant

FLAT ROCK, Mich. — Ford is adding 1,200 workers to a suburban Detroit factory to build the Fusion, a sign of confidence that the revamped sedan will be a big seller.

Ford Americas President Mark Fields told workers at the Flat Rock plant Monday that the Fusion's market segment is growing two times faster than the rest of the U.S. auto industry. The new Fusion goes on sale this fall.

Ford has only made Fusions in Mexico until now. But new labor contracts lowered its U.S. costs, so Ford decided to add production in the U.S.

Ford will hire the 1,200 new workers starting next spring. It will also invest $555 million in new equipment at the plant.

The Flat Rock plant also produces the Mustang.

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