As part of a commitment to rebuild the Michigan economy, Ford Motor Company plans to invest $850 million into Michigan between 2011 and 2013, which will create over 1,200 new jobs, and allow the company to undertake new fuel saving projects.

One of the projects Ford will be working on is the engineering and production of six-speed transmissions. By 2013, Ford expects all its vehicles to incorporate the six-speed transmission. Ford is working with officials on a new Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) package that would make Michigan a more competitive place to invest in new fuel-saving technologies and facilities. Once this package is approved, the company will disburse the $850 million across many of their plants, including the Dearborn Truck plant. The Michigan Economic Development Council is considering the package this week.

“Ford is making a very significant commitment to Michigan, to our future manufacturing and engineering and investing here in Michigan, in our people and in our future,” said U.S. Congressman John Dingell of Michigan in a statement Monday.

Ford expects that 900 jobs with hourly positions will be held in manufacturing facilities and 300 will be salary paid positions ranging in engineering and manufacturing.

“We are pleased to work with state and local government leaders to find new ways to work together, invest in our people as well as Ford facilities, further improve our competitiveness and secure jobs in Michigan, ” said Ford President Mark Fields in a news release.