Ford to maintain Canadian manufacturing presence despite high operating costs

Statement contrasts with other automaker's strategy of moving production out of the country

Ford has stated it is confident of keeping its manufacturing presence in Canada despite high labour costs and unfavourable currency exchange rates, reports Bloomberg citing the automaker's chief in the country. "We are optimistic despite the Canadian dollar where it is," said Dianne Craig, chief executive officer of Ford Canada. Ford's manufacturing operations in Canada include an assembly factory at Oakville, near Toronto which produces the Ford Edge SUV and Flex MPV apart from Lincoln MKX and MKT luxury crossovers. The Oakville plant is currently the sole production plant for these models in North America. Craig hinted that the automaker is working on an investment plan for the manufacturing site without disclosing details.