Ford Investing $450 Million in New Focus Plant in Thailand

Ford Motor Co. (F) is investing $450 million in a new factory in Thailand, despite the country's political unrest.

The new factory will be located in the eastern coastal province of Rayong and will have the capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles a year, the Associated Press reported. The factory will begin producing the next-generation Ford Focus in 2012.

Ford will sell 85% of the cars abroad, with the rest sold in Thailand. The factory will employ as many as 2,200 people.

"This investment underscores our long-term commitment to Thailand, and its role as a global production and export hub for Ford," said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford's Asia and Africa business.