Ford to Transform Product Development Center into World Headquarters Facility

Ford Motor Company is planning to repurpose its former Product Development Center as part of the 3.3 million-sf World Headquarters Complex in Dearborn, Mich. The transformed facility, to be known as World Headquarters South, will provide a modern workplace for 5,000 employees. Existing studios will be converted into flexible, double-height environments accommodating laboratories, vehicle testing operations, and prototyping. 

As the new home of Ford Racing, the dynamic building will accelerate knowledge transfer and enhance synergies in the product development process. A dedicated wing will enable meetings with vendors and visitors outside of the secure areas for business operations. With a refreshed façade and abundant natural illumination, the vibrant structure will feature a 30,000-sf fitness center for employees, as well as cafés, markets, and wellness rooms. A separate 3,100-vehicle parking deck will offer EV charging stations and ADA-compliant spaces to serve the broader site. 

The project team includes Ford Land, CBRE, Ghafari Associates, Integrated Design Solutions, Barton Malow, Devon Industrial Group, Wade Trim, and Rich & Associates Parking Consultants. Ground will be broken in May of 2026 and occupancy is anticipated in 2029. This collaborative hub is part of a wider $1.2 billion plan to redevelop the Henry Ford II World Center campus. Once complete, the headquarters complex will house between 10,000 and 11,000 employees across design, engineering, and corporate teams.