Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Ford's Decision to Idle Hapeville Auto Plant

Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Ford's Decision to Idle Hapeville Auto Plant

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the announcement by Ford Motor Company that it will idle seven vehicle assembly plants between now and 2012, including the plant located in Hapeville , Georgia :

“At a time when job growth is really taking off in Georgia , I regret the unfortunate announcement from Ford today that it will idle the historic Hapeville Ford plant.  Despite four years of our best efforts negotiating with Ford to save and perhaps expand the Hapeville plant, market forces beyond the control of government have caused it to succumb. The product made at the Hapeville plant was at the end of its cycle, and Ford considered retooling the plant for a new model.  Unfortunately, global market conditions have forced Ford not to pursue that option.

“While the eventual closure of this plant will be difficult for the city of Hapeville and south Atlanta , my thoughts and sympathy are with the loyal Ford employees who have dedicated years of their lives to the Ford Motor Company.  These hardworking employees embody the spirit of the state of Georgia 's workforce.  We stand ready with every available resource to help these faithful and reliable employees recover and move forward to a prosperous future for themselves and their families in Georgia .”

All Ford workers who have lived in Georgia for one year will be eligible for the HOPE Grant to receive a two-year technical certificate or diploma from any of Georgia 's 34 technical colleges.  Those who attended a Georgia high school and graduated with a 3.0 GPA are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship to attend one of Georgia's 35 universities and colleges.  Governor Perdue has also reached out to Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, and committed to meet with Board of Regents and Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) officials to determine methods for alternative training for Ford employees.

“The Georgia Department of Labor will work with other state agencies to do everything it can to assist the workers who will be impacted by this closure,” said Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “We will invest all the time and resources needed to help these workers find new jobs or new careers.”

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