ALTHOUGH IT IS CANADA'S longest-established automobile company, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, is looking more to the future than to its historic past.

In the five-year period ending in 1996, the company has invested nearly $5 billion in its Canadian plants in Oakville, Windsor, and St. Thomas. The investment exceeds spending by all other automobile companies combined in Canada during the same period.

Ford of Canada became the first Ford operation outside of the United States when it was established in 1904 by a group of young Canadian entrepreneurs who formed a partnership with Henry Ford. Today, it continues to play a leading role in Ford's worldwide automotive operations by producing vehicles and engines exported around the world.

Increased employment opportunities have accompanied Ford's massive investments. Compared with 1992 when the first investments were made, Fords employment in Canada has increased by more than 2,000 to a total of 14,000 in 1996.

The investments are also paying off with world-mandate products that are built exclusively in Canada. The Oakville built Ford Windstar minivan, for example, is exported to 40 countries around the world. Aluminum engine blocks produced at Windsor are shipped to Europe for use in Ford engines used in a number of countries.
 

The most recent investment announced by Ford of Canada involved the Ontario Truck Plant in Oakville, where a new paint facility and body shop were constructed, more than doubling the plant's size to 2.9 million square feet.

As a result of this project, the plant is producing the 1997-model FSeries pickup truck and thereby generating additional employment.

Ford manufacturing plants in Windsor have an important role in the new F-Series, Canada's best-selling vehicle car or truck - for several years. Essex Engine Plant produces the new truck's standard, split port, 4.2 litre V-6 engine, while the Windsor Engine Plant builds the optional, 4.6-litre V-8 engine. Two other Windsor plants - Essex Aluminum and Windsor Casting - produce cast iron and cast aluminum parts for the new engines.

Ford's successful 92 years in Canada can be attributed to the quality of its workforce and the quality of its products. Canadian plants have been honoured with the company's highest quality awards in competition with plants around the world.
 

Most recent investments by Ford of Canada include a new pain facility and body shop for Ontario Truck Plant, Oakville, part of nearly $5 billion invested in Canada since 1992.

New and exciting products that meet or exceed consumer expectations have always been "Job One" at Ford, according to Mark W Hutchins, the company's 11th President and Chief Executive Officer

Nearly half of the cars and trucks being offered by Ford today are new in technology, new in design and new in improved performance, Mr. Hutchins notes. Included in the new product offerings are the 1996 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, and the 1997 Ford Escort and F-Series pickup.

As Ford becomes a more globalized company, customers can expect even greater choice and quality in Ford cars and trucks.