Road looks smoother for auto maker

WOODLAWN, N.Y. (WIVB) - A week after Ford announced layoffs at it's Woodlawn stamping plant, the company is forecasting a smoother road ahead.

Ford says the plant there is healthy and will be part of a new push to make more cars.

Ford's bold new banner at the Woodlawn stamping plant declares "Ford Edge: Born Here. Driven Everywhere."

The Woodlawn plant will be stamping out more hoods, doors, and panels, as Ford increases production by about 90,000 thousand vehicles.

Ford Regional Sales Manager John Schuldt said, "We do see some strength coming back in the industry in the fourth quarter. We want to take advantage of that. That's why we're adding production, including production of the vehicles stamped at this plant."

That's welcome news for a plant that just experienced layoffs. About 70 workers from the stamping plant there were laid off last week, because an assembly plant in Canada is down for more than a month.

United Auto Workers Local 897 President Charles Gangarossa said, "This is just temporarily. When St. Thomas goes back to production, they'll be back."

News 4's Rich Newberg asked if most of the seventy workers will return.

Ford Stamping Plant Manager David Buzo said, "I see potentially a good portion of them. You know, it all depends, depends upon what the people buy."

Stamping out parts for vehicles like the popular crossover Edge is helping to drive a wave of optimism.

Auto industry analyst Art Wheaton said, "Ford just announced that this is their best month so far this year, that they expect the auto industry to rebound, and it's looking better for them."

And cruising along with the good news, Ford Dealers of Western New York donated two vans to the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club and the group Computers for Children.

That's a tradition that started back in 1996. They've donated a million dollars worth of vans to more than 50 organizations.