Production Ending At Batavia Ford Plant

Workers at Ford's Batavia Transmission plant have made more than five million transmissions the past 28 years.

Now, it's down to the final 2,100 and they'll be finished on Thursday.

Then, the 1.9 million square foot plant will make parts until it's permanently shut down in August.

It's part of Ford's worldwide restructuring to try and restore the car maker to profitability.

At it's peak production, the plant employed over 2,100 hourly and 500 salaried personnel. Now, that's down to 695 and 89 respectively.

"It's going to be a very sad, sad day when they finally run the last transmission off, let alone make the last service part," said Mike Warren, who heads United Auto Workers Local #863 at the plant. He's worked at the Batavia facility from very beginning of production in 1980.

"There's a lot of talent and experience here," Warren added. "It's very emotional.

Warren's comments came as members of the media were given a chance to tour the plant in its final days.

Plant Manager Melvin Royster said Ford decided to close the facility because none of its U.S. transmission plants are operating at full production.

"For all employees here it's very difficult to see these jobs end," Royster said. "But, understand the need for Ford Motor Company to restructure itself and return to profitability."

"Profitability for the company is the most important thing for us to do at this point," Royster added. "This is just part of that plan to get there."

Ford has set up a transition center inside the plant and has partnered with Work Force One of Clermont County to help employees find new jobs or careers.

The company is also actively marketing the plant to potential buyers.

Businesses located near the plant on Front Wheel Drive in Batavia Township have already seen a drop off in business as the number of employees has dwindled.

Those workers were also generous with their time and money to charities in Clermont, Brown, Adams, Highland and Hamilton Counties.