CLAYCOMO, MO (KCTV) -
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon was on hand Wednesday as Ford showed off its new transit van.
Full production will begin next year on the Powerstroke van, which shuttle companies, ambulance providers and other commercial outlets are expected to use.
Nixon played a major role in persuading the Missouri Legislature to offer incentives that enticed Ford to keep the Claycomo plant in the Northland open.
The vans will be used in the Kansas City area, but also in Los Angeles, Seattle, Miami and New York as well as other areas, Nixon said.
"It will be serving the entire United States and North America from right here," he said.
Ford's Gerry Koss agreed.
"Catering companies, electricians, ambulances can use the chassis," he said. "Shuttle buses can use it. Wheelchair accessible vans are very important for accessibility."
Altogether, the Claycomo is receiving a $1.1 billion investment.
"It became clear to us that there were investment opportunities, but they were only going to happen if we could tailor our incentive package to meet what their needs were," Nixon said.
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