AVON LAKE, OH (WOIO) –
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown applauded the news that the Ford Motor Company will retain at least 1,400 jobs at its Avon Lake plant. The plant, which once manufactured vans, will now make trucks.
“Investing in the auto industry means investing in Ohio’s economy-in jobs at Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler plants, and at the factories of parts manufacturers all across our state,” Brown said. “Our cars-energy-efficient, safe, and appealing to consumers-can compete with those made anywhere in the world. Our workers are top-notch and have played a key role in Ford’s success.
“Today, the American auto industry is in a far different position than it was several years ago. While Ford did not require assistance through the auto restructuring, there is no question that letting Chrysler and General Motors go under would have damaged the entire auto supply chain, closing small manufacturers and harming business at the companies that not only sell parts to Chrysler and GM, but to Ford and other car companies,” Brown added. “When the outlook was bleak, we stood with the Big 3-and Ohio is reaping new jobs and investments as a result.”
Brown has been an outspoken advocate for Ohio’s auto industry. In November of 2008, he introduced S. 3175, the Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Act, with a bipartisan group of colleagues. In December 2008, Brown fought to ensure that funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) were allocated to aid the Big 3 and American auto suppliers. At the start of 2009, Brown applauded President Obama’s decision to advance restructuring plans to ensure the viability of the American auto industry.
Brown also was a strong supporter of the Cash for Clunkers program, in which the federal government provided Ohio consumers with vouchers to purchase new fuel-efficient vehicles. The program was a resounding success, helping American consumers purchase nearly 700,000 new vehicles-adding nearly one percent to the third-quarter GDP growth at the time. The program stabilized the auto sector and saved or created thousands of jobs across Ohio and the nation.
http://www.19actionnews.com/story/16198803/ford
Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
