Ford Sells Norfolk Assembly Plant

Having been part of the Ford portfolio of manufacturing for 82 years before its closure in 2007, the Norfolk Assembly Plant was sold this week by the American manufacturer to real estate group Jacoby Development. As soon as it got its hands on the facility, Jacoby sold a portion of the newly acquired estate, or 100-acre, to logistic provider Katoen Natie.

The sale of the facility means a breath of fresh air and some new capital for Ford. For the Commonwealth of Virginia, having the facility become once again an active part of the local industry is of far greater value. The single buyer of a portion of the plant, Katoen Natie, announced that it plans to invest $12 million in a new warehousing and distribution operation which will create jobs for 225 people in the region.

“It is gratifying to see the former Ford Assembly Plant being brought back to life,” said Governor McDonnell.

“We appreciate all of the care and consideration that was given to ensuring that this important property landed in the right hands. In addition to creating 225 new jobs for the Commonwealth, the company will further enhance port operations with the addition of this waterfront facility. We are pleased to provide support to KTN and we welcome the company to Virginia.”

The last car rolled off the lines of the assembly plant in 2007. It was a red 2007 Ford F-150 Lariat, and marked the end of almost a century of production for a total of 7,983,458 cars and trucks. Since its closure, parts of its production queues, especially that of the F-150, were relocated to other facilities, Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant.