Ford may feel political pressure to add a new product to its sprawling St. Thomas assembly plant to help keep the factory alive.

Canadian Auto Workers union officials met with area politicians about the future of the 40-year-old plant this week.

Ford has said there’s no product for the 40-year-old plant — which builds large sedans — beyond 2011.

“I’ve certainly not given up any hope until they put the padlock on the door,” said Scott Smith, chairperson of CAW Local 1520 at the plant.

The union wants Ford to build another product at the plant or extend the production of cars it builds there until the market turns around.
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