This is to support production of the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost specifically engineered for the next-generation 2015 Ford F-150. "Our truck customers have spoken, and we continue to meet their evolving needs by providing another V6 option in the all-new 2015 F-150," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas.

Ford's investment in Lima follows an announcement in early March that the company will shift production of Ford F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks from Mexico to Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, in the Cleveland area, early next year.  Lima Engine Plant produces the 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter Duratec V6 engines for multiple Ford vehicles. The US$500 million investment will go to a new flexible engine assembly system and renovation of 700,000 sq ft of the facility for machining and assembly functions.

The materials used to make the new V6 EcoBoost enable its fuel efficiency. The engine uses a compacted graphite iron engine block, the same material used in Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8. The composite of compacted graphite iron and aluminum saves weight while providing strength where it's needed most for durability.