Ford India today will start commercial production of its compact car 'Figo' at its plant at Sriperumbudur near here from February 5, according to a company official.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Deputy Chief Minister Stalin would inaugurate the plant on Friday, the official said.
Ford had signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government last year, under which it would invest an additional Rs 1,500 crore to expand the Sriperumbudur facility.
The investments include ramping up the Sriperumbudur facility to make new engines and for production of Figo, he added.
After expansion, Ford would add 1,000 employees to the existing 2,100 at the Sriperumbudur plant.
Ford India will be entering the compact car segment, which is dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, with the launch of Figo.
Ford India currently manufactures mid-size sedan 'Fiesta', 'Ikon' and SUV 'Endeavour' range of vehicles at the facility.