Ford Stresses Impact on WNY BUFFALO (wned) - The giant new banner on the Woodlawn Stamping Plant can be seen from Route 5. It was donated by local Ford dealers to help show the public what the plant produces and to highlight its impact on the local economy.

Ford Stamping Plant Director David Buzo says the facility employs about 800 people. He says despite the hit automakers have taken, the Woodlawn plant is pretty stable thanks to its production of the Ford Edge.

"We just had the J-D Powers quality index come out and the Edge that we make...was one of the top vehicles," Buzo said.

The facility also produces parts for the Flex, Crown Victoria, F-250 and Ranger.

UAW Local 897 President Charles Gangarossa says the Stamping Plant plays a big role for the company and Western New York.

"This is a plant that needs to stay here," Gangarossa told WNED.

Buzo says the facility and its employees not only pay taxes but also make charitable contributions to numerous organizations.

Ford's Woodlawn Plant has been stamping out parts for nearly 60-years. © Copyright 2009, wned