Rouge: Symbol of past points to future

A rebirth at Ford's famous manufacturing complex honors the past but puts the focus on the future.

When Ford opens the Dearborn Truck Plant at its historic Rouge complex next year for production of the F-150 pickup truck, it will feature the most sophisticated equipment and processes Ford has to offer in its effort to become flexible on the shop floor and irresistable on the New York Stock Exchange trading floor.

Anne Stevens, Ford Vice President, North America Vehicle Operations, discussed some of the history but mainly the future of the plant at a media event for the truck and the plant late last year. At that time, the plant was still devoid of equipment but otherwise appeared almost ready for the business of truck-making to begin.