Automotive giant Ford has flagged off F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks at Ohio assembly plant in the US, which was previously manufactured in Mexico.
Ford The Americas president Joe Hinrichs said: "Our investment in Ohio Assembly Plant reinforces our commitment to building vehicles in America and to delivering best-in-class commercial trucks.
"Working with our partners in the UAW, we found a way to make the costs competitive enough to bring production of a whole new generation of work trucks to Ohio."
Offered in regular cab, supercab and crew cab body styles, the truck is stated to have the potential for heavy towing applications. It also has the option for 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine.
The 6.8-liter V10 with 320 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque will be specifications of both F-650 and F-750 models with the heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission.
UAW National Ford Department vice-president and director Jimmy Settles said: "Through collective bargaining, we were able to secure production of the Ford F-650/F-750 to Ohio Assembly Plant.
"Building these world-class vehicles in America helps secure jobs for more than 1,000 UAW members and provides economic growth for the Avon Lake community. Strengthening the economy through job creation continues our efforts to rebuild the American middle-class and communities all across this nation."
The plant required an investment of $168m.
Ford will also assemble its Ford Ranger pickup truck in Nigeria later this year as part of boosting its operations in Middle East and Africa. Nigeria will earn the distinction of being the first African country outside South Africa where Ford vehicles are made. Ranger assembly will begin in Ikeja, in Lagos State.
Ford Middle East & Africa president Jim Benintende said: "Assembling Ford Ranger trucks in Africa's largest economy is an important milestone in our Middle East and Africa growth plan.
"With Coscharis we have the right partner and with the Ford Ranger we have the right product to deliver a world class truck that Nigerian customers want and value."
