Wednesday, May 7, 2003
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Wednesday, May 7, 2003 |
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Ford plans could boost Fayette By JOHN THOMPSON
Could Fayette County reap some economic benefits from a proposed Ford plant in Meriwether County? While Ford officials refuse to confirm they're looking at placing a plant in Fayette's neighbor to the south, speculation has run rampant in the last two weeks from the existing Ford plant in Hapeville to the corridors of government. Three weeks ago, Meriwether and Coweta officials discussed the use of a site near Grantville for a "major" industrial project. Word then leaked out that Ford Motor Company was looking at the site for a possible new factory, or moving the operations from its Hapeville plant to Meriwether County. The site is being marketed by the Tri-County Development Authority, which includes Fayette County. Fayette County Development Authority CEO Chris Clark said he'll know more about the plans next week. "We're meeting Monday in Warm Springs, and I'll have a better feel for the project," Clark said. Whether Ford moves or builds an additional plant, Clark said the key is keeping the auto giant in the south metro area. "It looks like Ford wants to have more of its suppliers near the plant, which could help us in any scenario," he said. Clark said the county still has 500 acres left of industrial space left that he would love to show to some of the supply companies. The choice for a new plant location is apparently between Meriwether and Morgan County, according to published reports, but Ford could not comment on any negotiations.
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