Ford’s Twin Cities Assembly Plant

Built in 1924, the Twin Cities Assembly Plant is the oldest Ford plant still in operation. Built on 122 riverfront acres and employing 1,900 workers, the factory floor covers more than 2 million square feet. It has its own dam to generate electrical power and for years the sandstone underneath the plant was mined and used to make window glass.

The plant primarily makes Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks, and has long been known as one of the most efficient factories Ford has. But Ford’s financial problems, the declining popularity of small pickups and the plant’s age led Ford to announce in 2007 that the plant would close in 2008. The loss of well-paying jobs is a significant blow to the local economy. On the other hand, the closure will make the sprawling site available for development.

The first car produced by the St. Paul Ford plant, May 5, 1925. Photo: Minnesota Historical Society.