Ford Plant Closure Affects Up to 3,300 Workers

Ford is set to temporarily close its Louisville Assembly Plant for 8 to 10 months starting December 2025, to facilitate a major retooling for electric vehicle production. The plant, which currently produces the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair, will transition to manufacturing electric vehicles following the end of the Escape's life cycle. During the shutdown, approximately 2,300 to 3,300 employees will be laid off, but union negotiations ensure they receive unemployment benefits and partial pay. The retooling aligns with Ford's broader strategy to expand its electric vehicle offerings, supported by the construction of EV battery plants in Kentucky. This move is seen as positive for maintaining union jobs and environmental benefits, despite initial workforce disruptions. Ford has not specified which electric vehicle model will be produced post-retooling, but it has committed to bringing an 'all new' electric vehicle to the Louisville plant.