Senators Anderson, Cassis, Hunter, Clark-Coleman, Brater, Cherry, Gleason, Barcia, Schauer, Whitmer, Jacobs, Switalski, Clarke, Scott, Olshove, Thomas and Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 63.

            A resolution commemorating the history of the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant in Novi, Michigan.

            Whereas, Since its founding on April 15, 1957, the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant has played a key role in Michigan’s history and heritage. The Ford Motor Company has fostered social, economic, and cultural heritage and is deserving of due recognition for their many accomplishments; and

            Whereas, From its earliest days, the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant, formerly known as the Lincoln Assembly Plant, became the sole producer of all domestic and export vehicles for the Lincoln Division; and

            Whereas, The Ford Motor Company has a reputation for its family-style treatment of all employees. In 1957, the plant employed approximately 2,400 people. The facilities included a 1,300,000 square-foot assembly plant along with a 200,000 square-foot, three-story office building, a test track, and a power plant. Today there are over 1,005 hourly and 103 salaried workers, and its facilities include 4.7 million square feet on a 320-acre site with over 15 miles of assembly line; and

            Whereas, The manufacturing giant's growth was phenomenal. Its peak employment was 5,468 people in 1973; and

            Whereas, The Wixom plant produced numerous vehicles including the Lincoln Capri, Premier, Mark III-V, Mark III-VIII, and the LS. In 1987, the Wixom Assembly Plant began production of the 1988 Lincoln Continental and later followed with the reintroduction of the Ford Thunderbird and Ford GT, along with, and its current product, the Town Car; and

            Whereas, In the early days, all automobile makers built one car at a time. The Ford Wixom Assembly Plant produced 67,516 vehicles in its first year in 1957, and at its peak in 1988, the plant produced 280,659 vehicles. The total plant production from 1957-2007 is 6,648,806; and

            Whereas, The Ford Wixom Assembly Plant’s vehicles have earned many industry awards, from the 2004 Bronze Award in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study, North and South America Plant Awards, not to mention Industry Week’s 12 "America’s Best Plants." Wixom Assembly Plant was hailed for "true manufacturing excellence" in 1990 and Motor Trend Car of the Year for the 1958 Thunderbird, 1990 Town Car, 2000 LS, 2002 Thunderbird, and Car and Driver Best 10 Award Lincoln Continental in 1989; and

            Whereas, The Ford Wixom Assembly Plant has been a remarkable example of the many achievements of the company. Ford employees, retirees, suppliers, dealers, and its many customers have been a true asset to the state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant as they cease operation in 2007; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant with our highest esteem.