The **Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP)** is a major Ford Motor Company vehicle production facility located on Fern Valley Road in Louisville, Kentucky. Opened in **1955**, it spans over **3.15 million square feet** on a **180-acre** site near Louisville International Airport, employing about **4,610 workers** operating three shifts[1][6]. LAP has been central to Ford’s vehicle assembly in the region for over seven decades, reflecting the evolution of the American automotive industry. Historically, Ford’s Louisville operations began in **1913** with small assembly shops on South Third Street, gradually expanding through several plants before settling at the current LAP site in 1955[1][2][5]. The plant initially produced a broad range of vehicles, including the **ill-fated Edsel line (1957-59)**, notable for constituting about 67% of Edsel production[1][6]. Over the years, LAP shifted focus from passenger cars to light trucks and SUVs, reflecting market trends. Key milestones include the 1969 spin-off of heavy truck production to the separate **Kentucky Truck Plant**[1][2][3], the introduction of popular models such as the **Ford Ranger and Bronco II in the 1980s**[1], and the early 1990s debut of the **Ford Explorer**, a pivotal model for Ford’s SUV lineup, with production continuing into the 2000s[1][3]. The 2010s saw LAP transition to producing the **Ford Escape** and luxury **Lincoln MKC and Corsair SUVs**, highlighting its adaptability to changing consumer preferences and technology[1]. LAP has also faced challenges, notably near-closure threats during economic downturns, but local leadership, unions, and Ford management successfully negotiated reinvestment agreements, preserving its role[5]. Looking ahead, LAP is scheduled for a significant remodel in late 2025 to prepare for **electri