Floods in Louisville Stop Ford Production

03/05/97

Reuters reports that Ford Motor Co suspended production for a shift at its Louisville Assembly plant Monday morning. Heavy rains prevented employees from getting to work and flooded a holding area where Ford was keeping 800 to 1,000 light trucks.

Ford spokesman Bill Carroll said the flood waters had dissipated enough by the time of Monday's afternoon shift to allow production to resume at the plant. The Louisville assembly plant generally turns out about 1,700 Explorer sport utility vehicles and Ranger compact pickup trucks during each of the plant's 10-hour shifts.

About 11 inches of rain fell on Louisville over the weekend, resulting in flooding. In Ford's holding/convoy area, rain water rose above the hoods of some Rangers and Explorers that were ready for shipment to dealers. Ford sent insurance inspectors and others to examine the vehicles and determine if anything can be salvaged. Carroll said, "About all we can do now is check them all over, see what we can save and what we can't save."

Carroll said that the Louisville plant itself, save for a small amount of water in the cafeteria, was not damaged. Ford also makes the popular Explorer at its St. Louis Assembly plant.

Ford said it will recoup lost production by scheduling more overtime. The company said that its Kentucky Truck Assembly facility, which is also in Louisville, was not affected by the flooding.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel