Ford Motor Company has announced a significant expansion in the production of its F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, backed by a substantial $3 billion investment at its Canadian manufacturing facility. This strategic move is set to enhance the assembly of Super Duty trucks at the Oakville Assembly Complex located in Ontario, Canada, with production expected to commence in 2026. The decision to expand production is driven by the growing demand for Super Duty trucks globally.
Ford aims to increase its output by up to 100,000 units at the Oakville facility, as the automaker looks to optimize production capacity beyond its existing plants in Kentucky and Ohio, which are currently at full operational capacity. In a recent statement, the company emphasized that this expansion is integral to its future electrification plans, reinforcing Ford's commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics.
Chief Executive Jim Farley highlighted the critical role that Super Duty trucks play for various businesses and individuals worldwide. He noted the challenges posed by existing production levels, which have limited the availability of trucks for customers. In the first half of the year, the Kentucky and Ohio plants produced over 200,000 Super Duty trucks, reflecting robust consumer demand. This initiative aligns with Ford's long-term vision for its Oakville facility, which was previously earmarked for transformation into a key hub for electric vehicle production in Canada.
However, recent adjustments have seen the launch of the new three-row electric vehicle postponed from 2025 to 2027, emphasizing the importance of the Super Duty segment during this transitional period. In its future endeavors, Ford has detailed plans for a substantial investment of about $2.3 billion to install new assembly and integrated stamping operations at the Oakville site.
This initiative is projected to create approximately 1,800 jobs at the Canadian plant, alongside 150 job opportunities at its Windsor engine complex, which will notably increase V8 engine production for Super Duty vehicles. According to Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis, there is a sustained demand for Super Duty trucks, driven largely by ongoing investments in infrastructure and related construction activities.
Cannis noted that retail customers are facing delays due to the current production constraints, indicating a clear need for increased operational capabilities. Ford's broader strategy includes additional job creation at its Rawsonville components and Sterling axle plants in Michigan, which are expected to add around 70 positions.
Further multiplicative investments include $24 million earmarked for the Ohio transmission facility and $1 million to support operations at the Michigan components plant. Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra encapsulated the sentiment behind this investment, asserting that the developments will benefit both Ford and its employees across Canada and the United States.
This plan is firmly aligned with Ford's Ford+ strategy aimed at ensuring profitable growth while optimizing its global manufacturing presence. Galhotra expressed confidence that these investments would yield rapid returns, supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to maximizing efficiency and meeting consumer demand. As Ford Motors forges ahead with its ambitious plans, the impending changes at the Oakville facility signal a promising future for the F-Series Super Duty line, while reinforcing the overarching commitment to advancement in electrification and consumer satisfaction..