OREANDA-NEWS. March 30, 2016. Ford recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Sanand facilities in India. Equipped with some of the world’s best manufacturing technologies, the facilities have strengthened the company’s presence in the region and helped to provide Indian consumers with products they want and value.

Since its opening, Ford’s Sanand facilities have redefined manufacturing excellence with its advanced, modern equipment and technologies. Supported by more than 435 robots – and a 95 percent automated body shop - the plant continues to produce quality vehicles, like the Figo Aspire. The sub-four-meter sedan has been widely recognized as a no-compromise compact car with smart technologies, advanced safety features, world-class quality and design, and responsive, efficient power.

The new Figo, the second vehicle produced from the Sanand plant, has also been a success, reinforcing its brand legacy with its clever value-for-money proposition and a host of segment-best and segment-first features.

Ford’s US\\$1 billion manufacturing facilities in Sanand spread across 460 acres and include stamping, body, paint and assembly operations for vehicle manufacturing. There are also machining and assembly operations for engine manufacturing, along with an on-site part painting facility. These facilities are top-of-the-line, focusing on safety, as well as energy and cost efficiency.

The paint facility at Sanand continues to innovate with advancements like its rotational dip pretreatment and e-coat processes, setting the bar for energy efficiency. It also utilizes a unique three-wet paint process – allowing for primer, base and clear coats to be applied simultaneously – followed by a baking cycle. This energy efficient process significantly reduces waste, energy consumption and helps lower carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent.

The press shop workforce is very engaged and committed to FPS standards across the site, ensuring the production of the highest quality parts. To help create a safe and healthy workplace in the press shop, a state-of-the-art ventilation system maintains an exceptionally clean environment.

Ford Sanand is also a valuable contributor to local communities, implementing several projects that support education, health and sustainability. In its effort to build a better world, Ford remains invested in providing safe drinking water to children in surrounding villages. The company has also strengthened its Happy Schools program in 10 local schools, helping them to address gaps in academic support, as well as health and nutrition.

Ford’s investment in Sanand underpins the importance of India in the company’s plans for Asia Pacific. And after one year, Ford Sanand has proven to be a key part of this future.