Ford May Boost Engine Output in Ohio

Later this week, Ford Motor Co. will unveil a $200 million investment in its engine factory near Cleveland, Ohio, to add production of its 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, according to the Associated Press.

The new service, which cites an unidentified source, says the action will add about 450 jobs at the plant. Last May Ford added a third shift at the facility, which currently makes 3.5- EcoBoost and 3.7-liter Duratech V-6 engines.

Earlier this week members of the United Auto Workers union at the plant ratified a new contract. Local union leaders say the pact clears the way for the company to add a new line of engines there.

The AP reports that the company will be moving production of the 2.0-liter engine from its factory in Valencia, Spain.

Ford currently imports 2.0-, 1.6- and 1.0-liter versions of the engine to the U.S. from Europe. By year-end the company says versions of the turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost engines will be available in 90% of the models it sells in North America.

Ford declared last May that it plans to more than triple European output of EcoBoost engines from 2011 to 480,000 units in 2015. The company also has said it aims to boost EcoBoost production outside Europe nine-fold during that period to 800,000 units.