The Missouri delegation that met with Ford Motor Company executives in Dearborn, Michigan, has learned more about Ford’s decision to shut the Hazelwood plant – primarily that Ford is making more vehicles than it sells and the Hazelwood plant is not as flexible as other Ford facilities. As for what happens next, Economic Development Director Joe Driskill says the state is making no promises to Ford to convince the company to stay in Hazelwood. Driskill does say the company has agreed to consider a proposal that Missouri officials will start working on – a proposal aimed at addressing Ford’s concerns and perhaps prompting the company to reverse its decision. The delegation was led by Governor Bob Holden. Among those joining him were Driskill, Senator Jean Carnahan, and St. Louis Congressman Richard Gephardt.
