Ford considers expanding production footprint in Africa

Plan to increase the number of Ford factories in Africa beyond its two plants in South Africa, with Nigeria being considered as an option.

Ford plans to expand its manufacturing plants in Africa, reports Bloomberg. Jim Benintende, Ford's head of operations in the Middle East and Africa, is apparently formulating an Africa growth strategy for the US automaker's new chief executive Mark Fields, who took over the reins on 1 July after Alan Mulally retired. The plan is to increase the number of Ford factories in Africa beyond its two plants in South Africa, with Nigeria being considered as an option, according to Benintende, who is touring the continent. Benintende is expected to submit a proposal to Fields next year detailing how many factories and dealerships the automaker needs to add. "Everything is pointing toward a surge in the African economy. We're really focused on this region like never before," said Benintende.