Recently, Ford announced that it will be investing $80 million and adding 350 jobs at the Kentucky Truck Plant to increase production by an estimated 15% to satisfy customer demand. The majority of the money will got to support facility upgrades, retooling and significant automation improvements in the body and paint shops. With this production increase, the Kentucky Truck Plant will build the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty since the truck’s introduction in 1999.

Here’s what the company’s official statement had to say:

Ford Motor Company, the industry’s truck leader, will add 350 new jobs and invest $80 million in its Kentucky Truck Plant to meet growing demand for Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks.

The $80 million will pay for facility upgrades, retooling and increased capacity to meet market demand. The investment and new employment opportunities are estimated to result in a 15 percent increase in production capacity, or approximately 55,000 units.

“Customer demand for F-Series Super Duty trucks is growing substantially, and F-Series overall is America’s best-selling truck for 37 years running,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Building on more than 100 years of manufacturing in Kentucky, we are proud to expand our profitable growth in the region as a result of our leadership in trucks and SUVs.”

Kentucky Truck Plant

Kentucky Truck Plant produces F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pickups, as well as Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. With the production increase in 2014, the plant will build the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty. The truck was introduced in 1999.

“We are happy to be adding new jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant, because we know the impact these jobs will have on the local community,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “It’s especially rewarding to know these jobs come as a result of customer demand. It shows customers understand and appreciate the dedication our UAW Ford workers put into delivering top-quality products like Ford F-Series Super Duty.”

Ford began manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 11 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant, which opened in 1969, covers 6 million square feet and employs close to 4,000 people.

“This is a great day to be both ‘Ford Tough’ and a Kentuckian,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. “For more than a century, Ford has created quality vehicles and quality jobs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I’m looking forward to seeing even more Kentucky-made Ford F-Series pickups on the roads, and more Kentuckians back to work as a result of this investment.”

Ford F-Series Super Duty

The 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup is an example of Ford’s dedication to continuously providing advanced powertrains and innovative technologies that answer customer demands. Ford trucks offer power, toughness and durability, making Ford the top- selling truck brand in every major commercial sector.

The 2015 Super Duty is Ford’s most capable heavy-duty pickup truck yet. It features significant updates that include the second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel with a new, larger turbocharger. In addition, multiple mechanical changes lead to increased torque, horsepower and towing capacity, while giving superior fuel economy and durability for customers. Most of the 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup will be on sale this spring. The F-450 pickup truck will be on sale by this summer.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary last year, Ford F-Series topped 750,000 sales in 2013, with more than 70,000 trucks sold in December after eight straight months of sales above 60,000 vehicles. On average, a single F-Series pickup was sold every 41 seconds in 2013.

“F-Series continues to dominate the segment, widening the gap between Ford and key competitors,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “The continued domination of F-Series has made the Blue Oval not just the industry leader for trucks, but America’s favorite truck manufacturer.”