AVON LAKE, Ohio– Automotive giant Ford announced it would invest 900 million dollars in its Ohio assembly plant in Avon Lake. This investment will bring fifteen hundred jobs to the area by 2023.

City leaders in Avon Lake say they are thrilled with this news, they say not only does this bring jobs to the area, it creates a ripple effect of economic growth.

Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka and Economic Development Director Ted Esborn say the 900 million dollar investment outlined in the new contract between Ford and United Auto Workers is one of the most significant investments in jobs in city history.

“My first thought was, wow, I don’t know how they did that. But as negotiators, and as an organization. That’s an incredible accomplishment,” says Esborn. 

Both Esborn and Mayor Zilka say the local UAW’s negotiators prevented the new 1,500 jobs from going to a plant in a different state.

“So without their cooperation without their goodwill and their hard work, this would not be in Avon Lake, it would be in another plant, so we’re very happy,” says Mayor Zilka.

City leaders say this isn’t just about jobs; it’s about the city and the county as a whole.

“It’s going to stimulate economic growth, and it’s going to stimulate the housing market, we hope, and it’s going to bring in enough revenue for us to provide, not just basic services but quality, improve services for our community,” says Zilka.

They’re hoping Ford’s investment will show Avon Lake, and Northeast Ohio overall is a good place for businesses to invest.

“For economic development specifically in Avon Lake, I always look to new investment in the city, sparking other new investment in the city.”

Members of UAW Local 2000 could not be reached for comment, but as the Mayor says, this is a huge win for those union members.