Ford Sets Dec. 19 As St. Paul Plant Closing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. has told union officials that the automaker's St. Paul plant will close Dec. 19.

Chairman Jim Eagle of United Auto Workers Local 879 says union officials received official notice of the closure Monday.

The closing affects 769 hourly employees as well as supervisors.

Ford has long planned to close the St. Paul plant that produces the Ford Ranger compact pickup, although the company has previously delayed the shutdown The company is discontinuing the Ranger brand in the U.S.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports a Ford represent didn't confirm the Dec. 19 closing date as of Monday afternoon.

In a statement, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says his thoughts are with Ford employees and their families, and he thanked Ford for its contributions to the city.

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