Ford Motor Company today announced a restructuring of its local operations that will result in the closure of the company’s Santa Rosa manufacturing facility when production of the Ford Escape ends later this year.

This decision, part of Ford's ongoing restructuring of regional manufacturing operations to improve efficiencies and costs, and better leverage economies of scale, was made following a comprehensive assessment of opportunities to bring a new product program to the Philippines.
"This is a very difficult decision. The company studied every possible scenario and opportunity, but we could not make a strong enough business case for future manufacturing,” said Randy Krieger, Ford Group Philippines president.

“We are extremely proud of the world-class vehicles assembled in our Santa Rosa plant and our exceptional team, and we will provide them with all the support they need to help them through this transition,” explained Krieger.

In addition to a fair separation package, a comprehensive support program is in place to assist all affected employees. These support mechanisms consist of training sessions for employees on career transition, financial management, and entrepreneurship as well as an outplacement program, which includes counseling and coaching sessions to help facilitate career transitions.

Ford remains the first and only volume exporter of vehicles from the Philippines. Since 2002, the company has exported more than 80,000 vehicles with an export value of more than US$1 billion to ASEAN markets including Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Commitment to the Philippines

Ford remains committed to growing its business and serving customers through its national sales company, Ford Group Philippines. This commitment is being led by the introduction of eight all-new One Ford vehicles by mid-decade and the doubling of its nationwide dealership network by 2015.

This includes launches of the all-new Ford Ranger, all-new Ford Focus and iconic Ford Mustang this year, as well as the opening of 12 new Ford dealerships in key locations around the country.

“We are absolutely committed to an aggressive growth strategy through our national sales company, Ford Group Philippines, which will continue to support our marketing, sales and service operations moving forward,” added Krieger.