Senators Cassis, Hardiman, Anderson, Pappageorge, Bishop, Clarke, Birkholz and Van Woerkom offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 67.

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

            Whereas, Since its founding on April 15, 1957, the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant has positively impacted Michigan’s history and economy. The Ford Motor Company and its many accomplishments are deserving of due recognition; and

            Whereas, From its origin, 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 Wixom Assembly Plant has produced numerous vehicles, including the Lincoln, Capri, Premier, Mark III-V, Mark III-VIII, LS, Lincoln Continental, Thunderbird, and GT, along with its current product the Town Car; and

            Whereas, The Ford Wixom Assembly Plant’s vehicles have earned many industry awards, including Motor Trend Car of the Year awards for the 1958 Thunderbird, 1990 Town Car, 2000 LS, and the 2002 Thunderbird. The plant also received the Driver Best 10 Award for the 1989 Lincoln Continental, the 2004 Bronze Award in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study, North and South America Plant Awards, and the Industry Week’s 12 "American Best Plants"; and

            Whereas, The Ford Wixom Assembly Plant produced 67,516 vehicles its first year in 1957, and at its peak in 1988, produced 280,659 vehicles. The plant produced a total of 6,648,806 automobiles from 1957 to 2007; 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. Employment at the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant peaked at 5,468 people in 1973, and currently, 1,259 people are employed at the facility; and

            Whereas, The manufacturing giant's growth was phenomenal. The facilities include 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 its facilities include 4.7 million square feet on a 320-acre site with over 15 miles of assembly line; 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.