A history of making Fords on Torrence Avenue
Formally known as the Chicago Assembly Plant, the factory at 126th Street and Torrence Avenue has been in continuous operation longer than any other Ford manufacturing facility.
1924
Torrence Avenue plant opens to build Model Ts and replace a factory on South Wabash Avenue.
1943-45
Built armored personnel carriers for US military.
2004
Opens $250 million, 155-acre supplier park nearby.
1986
Began making the Taurus, which became the nation’s best-selling car, a production run that lasted until 2019.
2010
Begins making the Ford Explorer at Torrence Avenue. It has produced more than 3 million SUVs since then.
2012
Begins making the police interceptor SUVs at the plant. Chicago places a $3.5 million order.
2023
UAW members strike at Torrence Avenue for the first time since 1976; Ford says it will invest $400 million at the Chicago plant over the four-year contract.
2019
Completes $1 billion retooling, adding 600 robots.
Source: Ford, news reports
Bloomberg