Ford Motor Opens 2.1 Million Square Foot 'Hub' Headquarters In Dearborn, Replacing Iconic Glass House

Ford Motor is swapping its 1950s "Glass House" headquarters for a new, modern industrial facility to promote collaboration and better appease thousands of employees who have returned to offices in recent years after remote working. The new 2.1-million-square-foot facility in Dearborn, Michigan, ceremoniously opened on Sunday, although construction is expected to continue into 2027.

The new HQ replaces a 12-story, rectangular-shaped headquarters roughly three miles away in the city that is expected to be demolished. The new building marks Ford's sixth headquarters since its founding in 1903.

“This campus reflects our enduring belief in American innovation and American leadership,” Ford said. “Though Ford is a global company, it is — and will always be — an American company at its heart. … If you come looking for our home, you will still find us at 1 American Road," said CEO Jim Farley and Ford Executive Chair Bill FordCEO Jim Farley and Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford.

'The Hub' To Consolidate Multiple Locations

Currently nicknamed "The Hub," the new headquarters will consolidate thousands of employees and several prior locations under one -- albeit very large -- roof. It is eventually expected to be home to up to 4,000 executives and employees involved with daily business operations, design and product development. There are very few actual offices outside of those for top executives, according to the company. 

Split Design

From an operational basis, the new headquarters is roughly split evenly between office functions and design and industrial operations. Design includes massive studios with hidden courtyards and a large showroom. The other half is set to be used for general business operations such as executive offices and common work and meeting areas.

Move Aligns With Ford+ Transformation Plan

The Ford+ plan was introduced by CEO Jim Farley as a turnaround and efficiency plan for the automaker in 2021. As of the end of last year, Ford employed roughly 30,500 white-collar salaried workers in the US. The company continues to own or utilise other properties throughout the US, including large bases in Dearborn and surrounding areas.

Glass House Era Comes To End

The iconic Glass House headquarters has served as Ford's home since the 1950s, becoming synonymous with the American automotive giant's corporate identity. The 12-storey structure's rectangular glass façade represented mid-century modern architectural principles but has become increasingly outdated for contemporary workplace requirements.

The decision to demolish rather than repurpose the historic building shows the challenges of adapting older structures to meet modern workplace needs, particularly regarding collaborative spaces, technological infrastructure, and sustainability standards expected in contemporary corporate environments.

Design And Engineering Integration

The integration of design studios, engineering spaces, and business operations within a single facility aims to break down traditional silos between creative and business functions. Automotive design historically operated in separate, secured facilities to maintain confidentiality around future model development.

Dearborn Footprint

With approximately 30,500 white-collar salaried workers in the US, the 4,000-employee capacity of the new Hub represents roughly 13 per cent of Ford's American office workforce. The concentration of executives and core business operations staff at the new facility whilst maintaining other Dearborn-area properties suggests a hub-and-spoke model rather than complete consolidation.

The continued presence of multiple Ford facilities throughout Dearborn and surrounding communities maintains the automaker's significant economic footprint in the region that has served as its home for over a century.

The new facility becoming Ford's sixth headquarters since 1903 illustrates the company's evolution through different eras of American manufacturing. Each headquarters transition has typically coincided with significant shifts in automotive industry structure, technology, or Ford's strategic positioning.