Pardon Our Dust
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On September 8th 2009, Ford of Europe announced the start of production of the Transit Connect model at a celebration at its new manufacturing facility in Craiova.
The ceremony in Craiova was hosted by McGuireWoods Romania Managing Director Nadia Crisan, who also emceed the event, and participants included John Fleming, chairman and CEO Ford of Europe, Romanian President H.E Traian Basescu, the President of the Romanian Senate, H.E. Mircea Geoana, the US Ambassador to Romania, H.E. Mark Gitenstein, UK Ambassador to Romania Robin Barnett, Ford Motor Company senior executives, and high-level representatives of the central and local Romanian administration.
“Today marks another step in the evolution of the Craiova Plant, and demonstrates that we are keeping our promise to transform Craiova into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility,” stated Fleming.
The first Transit Connect that came off the line was donated to Craiova Municipal Hospital for use in its work with the local community. The first commercial shipment of newly-assembled Transit Connects from Craiova is destined for Ford dealers in Romania. Mid-term, Ford expects to export the majority of Craiova Transit Connect production to be shipped primarily to Central and Eastern Europe.
Despite the economic crisis throughout the world, Ford’s commitment for Craiova remained unchanged. At full capacity, Craiova plant will be able to produce up to 300,000 vehicles and 300,000 engines annually and provide jobs for nearly 7,000 people. In addition, Ford has committed to investing an additional 675 million Euros in this manufacturing facility.
Ford’s history in Romania goes back to the 1930s when a first sales office and production plant have been opened here. “Today, when Ford is back producing cars in Romania after 73 years, we are very proud and excited about this new chapter,” said Crisan
McGuireWoods Romania Public Affairs Senior Manager Ana Maria Timis and Government Relations Manager Alex Timis coordinated the official program and facilitated media outreach for the event, which garnered coverage throughout Romania, Europe and the United States. McGuireWoods Romania has represented Ford Motor Company since March 2007 and played an integral role in negotiations between Ford of Europe and the Romanian government in Ford’s purchase of the Craiova manufacturing plant.
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