Working at Ford is a family affair

Three generations at the Ford plant
Three generations of the Dean family have worked at the Ford assembly plant in St. Paul. Robert Dean, center; his son, Edward Dean, Sr., left; and grandson, Edward Dean, Jr., right.
MPR Photo/Sam Choo

The Ford assembly plant in St. Paul will close for good within the next couple of years -- after employing thousands of people over time.

Ford announced this spring that it will discontinue its Ranger pickup truck, and close the plant for good as early as 2008.

For many employees, working at Ford has been a family affair -- with spouses, parents, children and other relatives on the payroll at the same time. One such family is the Deans, of St. Paul.

Three generations of the Dean family have worked at the plant over the past 57 years. Robert Dean, 77, started in 1949 and worked there for 31 years. His son, Edward Dean Sr., 54, started in 1971 and worked 33 years. He retired two years ago.

Edward Dean Jr., Ed's son and Bob's grandson, is 34, and celebrated his eight-year anniversary at Ford in May.

The Deans joined MPR's Cathy Wurzer to talk about their experiences working at the Ford plant.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.