The Ford Wayne site currently employs 7,029 at two assembly plants, which together produce the Focus, Expedition and Navigator models. The new project would update Focus production facilities at the Wayne site.

The company has considered other international sites for this investment. But the state is hoping that the a Single Business Tax credit offered by the MEDC over the next 20 years and a property tax abatement now under review by the city of Wayne—valued at more than $41.5 million for 12 years—will help convince Ford to choose Michigan for the expansion.

"Michigan is in a tight global competition for manufacturing jobs," said Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "Ford's continued commitment to our state is important to retaining and creating these jobs for future generations. The incentives approved today help level the playing field with foreign competitors and bring us a step closer to ensuring that Michigan wins this project."