Ford has officially begun production of its all-new 2015 Ford Edge. The company announced the vehicle, produced at its Oakville Assembly plant outside of Toronto, Canada is set for global export to more than 100 countries.

Laser Brazing, one of the new technologies at Oakville Assembly Plant (Photo: Ford).

Oakville Assembly has also announced the addition of 400 new employees to supplement the 1,000 new employees that were announced last year. With an investment of C$700 million, the Oakville Assembly plant has undergone a retooling and expansion, transforming it into one of the most competitive and advanced global manufacturing plants in Canada.

Thanks to the new capabilities at Oakville Assembly, the 2015 Edge delivers improved driving dynamics, quality, quietness, interior space and even more technology, and we are proud for our Canadian team to start bringing Edge to customers in even more markets around the world, says Joe Hinrichs, Fords president of the Americas.

The Ford Edge will be shipped around the world, from North America and South America, to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For the first time, the Edge will be exported to Western Europe.

Retooling and expansion of the Oakville Assembly will allow Ford to shift production more quickly and efficiently.

Worldwide demand for utility vehicles is up 88 per cent since 2008 and utilities now account for 19 per cent of the global automotive market, with the segment expanding more than three times the rate of the vehicle industry overall.

In Europe, the utility vehicle segment grew from nine per cent market share in 2008 to 21 per cent in 2014. In the United States – Ford Edges biggest market – the vehicle has been the best-selling five passenger crossover utility for seven out of the eight years since its launch.

Were proud to show the world advanced manufacturing right here in Canada and look forward to serving new global customers, said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. The Oakville Assembly team has worked relentlessly to deliver a quality product to the highest standard – from bringing in the best of Fords manufacturing technologies to training new employees across the facility.

Oakville Assembly Transformation

Oakville Assembly Plant has undergone a massive transformation to include new technology and robotics, new processes, and new training.

More than 250 new robots were added, including new software and vision systems that improve efficiency, precision and quality.

In addition, approximately 1,000 robots have been upgraded. These robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision and accuracy – with duties to ensure repeatable and high-quality assembly, including:

New robots to apply urethane to glass for consistent application every time creating a perfect seal that reduces wind noise and improves quietness and comfort for the customerNew robots to install panels, doors and hoods reducing variability and offering more control in installation for a more durable buildLaser brazing with new robotics to offer cleaner lines and higher strength and precision in the seaming of the roof for a more high-end designA Vehicle on Wheels visions system to ensure the flushness of doors, hood and lift gate through laser and optical images for a seamless fit3D dirt detection technology and increased robotic automation in paint to employ a more durable paint application, resulting in best-in-class exterior appearance and a flawless finish. 3D dirt detection technology uses high resolution cameras to detect and locate any paint imperfections not readily seen by the naked eye

The new global Edge is an excellent and timely indication that Canadas auto industry is poised to excel in coming years, said Jerry Dias, national president, Unifor. Canadian auto workers have consistently demonstrated superior productivity and quality results, which are essential to the success of an innovative vehicle like this one. This new vehicle is great news for the company and its workers, and good news for all Canadians who benefit from a strong auto industry and the revenue it generates.

Oakville Assembly has also been recognized for its environmental efforts.

Operating since 1953, Oakville Assembly also produces the Ford Flex and the Lincoln MKT. It will also begin production of the new global 2016 Lincoln MKX this year. The facility has approximately 4,500 employees working a partial three shift schedule. Since 2013, Oakville Assembly has hired more than 1,700 employees.

SOURCE Ford Motor Co.