Ford Expands F-Series Super Duty Production to Canada

Ford Motor Company is set to expand its North American assembly operations to meet the high demand for its F-Series Super Duty trucks. By adding a third assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Ford aims to bolster production of one of its most popular and profitable vehicles. The Oakville Assembly Complex will initially increase capacity for 100,000 F-Series Super Duty trucks, incorporating future multi-energy technology to offer customers a broader range of options.

This strategic move aligns with Ford’s Ford+ plan, which focuses on profitable growth, maximizing the company’s manufacturing footprint, and extending its global truck leadership. Additionally, it supports the expansion of Ford Pro, the company’s commercial business division, which caters to professional customers who rely heavily on Ford’s trucks. To achieve this, Ford will invest approximately $3 billion to expand Super Duty production, including $2.3 billion for the Oakville Assembly Complex to install assembly and integrated stamping operations.

The Oakville expansion will initially secure around 1,800 jobs, significantly more than the 400 jobs initially planned for the production of a three-row electric vehicle. Unifor-represented employees at the Oakville Assembly Complex are set to return to work a full year earlier than previously scheduled, in 2026. This move also adds approximately 150 jobs at the Windsor Engine Complex, where more V8 engines for Super Duty will be manufactured.

Ford’s commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in North America is evident in its investments across various plants. The company plans to hire new employees and add overtime at U.S. component plants that support Super Duty production. For instance, the Sharonville Transmission Plant in Ohio will receive a $24 million investment and additional overtime, while the Rawsonville Components Plant in Michigan will see a $1 million investment and the addition of roughly 20 new jobs. The Sterling Axle Plant in Michigan will create approximately 50 new jobs. Across powertrain, transmission, stamping, and final assembly operations, 10 U.S. plants in five states support Super Duty production, directly employing about 20,000 American workers.

Ford’s leadership in the U.S. truck market is well-established, with the company producing and selling more trucks than any other automaker. The company operates two F-150 plants in Michigan and Missouri, two Super Duty plants in Kentucky and Ohio, and a Ranger plant in Michigan. The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, is home to the F-150 Lightning. The Ohio Assembly Plant manufactures various models, including the F-650/750 Medium Duty Trucks and F-350/450/550 Super Duty Chassis Cab. The new Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center will host Ford’s next-generation electric truck production.

The demand for Super Duty trucks among Ford Pro customers is robust, driven by high infrastructure spending and related construction activities. In the first half of 2024 alone, Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant produced over 200,000 Super Duty trucks. However, order banks remain strong, and production constraints have limited the supply, leaving many retail customers waiting. By unlocking additional Super Duty volume through the Oakville expansion, Ford aims to better serve businesses, tradespeople, and first responders who rely on these trucks.

Ford’s decision to expand Super Duty production to Oakville not only supports its customers but also strengthens its manufacturing capabilities. This move is consistent with Ford’s Ford+ plan, which emphasizes maximizing the company’s global manufacturing footprint for profitable growth. Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the benefits of this investment for both Ford and its employees in Canada and the U.S., as well as for customers who depend on Super Duty trucks for their work and livelihoods.

The F-Series Super Duty has been America’s best-selling truck for 47 years and Canada’s top truck for 58 consecutive years. This dominance is reflected in its market share across various industries, including mining, utilities, emergency services, and construction. Super Duty holds a 58% market share in the mining sector, 56% in utilities, 53% in emergency vehicles, and 44% in construction, underscoring its critical role in supporting essential services and industries.

Ford’s expansion of Super Duty production to Oakville marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to meet growing customer demand and support its Ford Pro commercial business. With substantial investments in North American manufacturing facilities and a commitment to future multi-energy technology, Ford is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the truck market while driving profitable growth.

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