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The project also includes a
redesign of the existing design studios, plus the installation
of new milling machines that use computer-aided design to create
precise clay models of new vehicle designs.
“Outstanding design is what sets
our brand apart and what excites our customers,” Martin Smith
said. “With the development of Ford kinetic design in 2005, we
introduced a new design language which has given our models a
distinctive and, above all, dynamic look. The expertise of our
design team in Cologne-Merkenich is helping kinetic design to
become increasingly important for Ford on a global basis. For
the design team, the new building will be a great place to work
and will provide a highly-motivational environment."
Each Euro invested is proof of the
deep bond between Ford and Cologne, Lord Mayor Roters said.
“In my opinion, Ford and Cologne
are inseparable,” he said. “The people of Cologne can be proud
of everything that Ford has done for our city and for the region
of North-Rhine Westphalia over the past eight decades. The
company continues to be an exceptional economic contributor and
one of the most important employers in the Cologne area. I am
delighted to see that Ford will continue to be our strong
corporate citizen on the River Rhine.”
The building project is the
largest single expansion of the Design Centre since since it was
first constructed in 1968. Today, the Design Centre covers a
total of 13,000 square metres, and includes an aerodynamic wind
tunnel built in 1984. The Design Centre provides space for a
total of 250 employees from 14 nations. In addition, a team of
about 70 designers, responsible for Ford of Europe's commercial
vehicle design, is located at Dunton Technical Centre in Essex,
UK, the centre of excellence for commercial vehicle development
and Ford Powertrain.
The main contractor for the
current expansion is Wolff & Müller, Spezialbau GmbH & Co. KG,
Köln. The planning of the new building is led by Ingenieurbüro
WPW, Saarbrücken.
Photo: Ford
(April 5, 2011) |
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