Ford to invest $1.2B in Michigan plants

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is investing $1.2 billion in three Michigan factories, including an engine plant where it plans to add 130 jobs.

Ford announced plans to upgrade some of its Michigan plants in November 2015 as part of a new contract with the United Auto Workers union.

Ford Americas President Joe Hinrichs said Tuesday’s announcement was timed to a state meeting where officials were expected to approve tax incentives for Ford. The automaker expects to receive $30 million in tax abatements and other incentives over 15 years.

Ford will spend $850 million to upgrade the Michigan Assembly Plant next year to build the Ford Ranger midsize pickup and Ford Bronco SUV. Ford plans to build the Ranger starting at the end of 2018 and the Bronco starting in 2020.

The suburban Detroit plant currently makes small cars, which are moving to a plant in Mexico.