Keeping with policy to end in-house metalcasting, ford to stop casting production in Cleveland.

Ford Motor Co. announced it intends to idle its Cleveland Casting Plant indefinitely in 2009.

Company officials say that the actions are "in line with Ford's commitment to match its manufacturing capacity with actual customer demand." The Cleveland facility is the third Ford casting plant to discontinue operations.

"These are difficult actions, and we're approaching them with great sensitivity because they involve our people," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford's vice president of North America Manufacturing.

Cleveland Casting opened in 1952 and employs 1,100 hourly and 118 salaried workers. It produces iron components for engines in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, E-Series vans, and Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

Ford's intention to idle Cleveland Casting continues the company's move away from in-house casting operations. The company also has announced that it will end casting production at facilities in Leamington, U.K., and Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

In addition, the company will defer production at Cleveland Engine #1, beginning in two weeks, for approximately 12 months. Engines produced at that plant will now be made at Ford's Lima, Ohio, facility. Cleveland Engine Plant #2 will continue to operate as planned.