The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty on announcement that Ford is closing the Highland Park plant in 2008. 

"The news is disappointing, but not unexpected given dramatically declining Ford Ranger sales.  Minnesota proposed our own innovative ideas to keep the plant open.  We were also willing to meet or exceed any offered incentive package.  In the end, however, Ford indicated its decision was not about subsidies or bailouts, but about larger economic trends.

"Our team will work to provide assistance and support to Ford workers through education, accelerated job retraining and other programs.

"We continue to believe the plant and its workers are among the best in the country and should be viewed as a valuable asset.  We will continue to make that case to Ford and hope they will reconsider their decision sometime over the next two years."