Ford is relocating its world headquarters for the first time in 7 decades to a new $2.1B Dearborn campus. See what this move means for the automaker.
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Ford is relocating its world headquarters for the first time in 7 decades
Introduction
For the first time in 70 years, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is relocating its world headquarters. The iconic automaker will leave its longtime base, the “Glass House” at 1 American Road, and move just three miles down the road to a newly built, state-of-the-art campus in Dearborn, Michigan. The move, scheduled for November 2025, marks a major shift in Ford’s corporate history and underscores its push toward innovation, collaboration, and the future of mobility.
A Historic Move for Ford
Ford’s current headquarters, famously known as the Glass House, opened in 1956 and stood as one of the largest office buildings occupied by a single company at the time. For decades, it served as a symbol of Ford’s strength and connection to Dearborn.
The new 2.1-million-square-foot facility will take on the formal title of Ford World Headquarters, while the surrounding campus will be renamed the Henry Ford II World Center in honor of the late grandson of company founder Henry Ford.
“When we move to the new headquarters, the 1 American Road address will move with it, because we’re going to continue to develop products for the next century,” said Ted Ryan, Ford’s heritage and brand manager.
Inside Ford’s New Campus
The new headquarters is designed to be more than just an office — it’s built for the next era of automotive innovation.
Key highlights of the new HQ include:
- Six advanced design studios
- A massive 160,000-square-foot food hall for employees
- Wellness rooms and mothers’ spaces for workplace inclusivity
- Over 300 tech-enabled meeting rooms
- A walkable campus connecting 14,000 employees within 15 minutes of the main building
The site is historically significant as well. It was once home to Ford’s Product Development Center, dedicated in 1953 with President Dwight Eisenhower participating via one of the first closed-circuit television broadcasts. Legendary models such as the Mustang, Thunderbird, and F-Series trucks were developed there.
Dearborn and Ford: An Unbreakable Bond
Ford’s connection to Dearborn runs deep. From Henry Ford’s birthplace just a few miles away to the generations of Ford family members who walked into the Glass House, the brand’s legacy is intertwined with the city’s identity.
“Dearborn and Ford are almost synonymous. If you think of Dearborn, you think of Ford, and if you think of Ford, you think of Dearborn,” Ryan said.
The relocation ensures that legacy continues, but in a modern environment that supports collaboration and innovation for the next generation of mobility solutions.
Industry Context: GM’s Move Too
Ford isn’t the only Detroit automaker on the move. General Motors (GM) is also shifting its headquarters, leaving its long-standing tower on the Detroit River for a new office in downtown Detroit. Together, these moves highlight a broader transformation in how auto companies are rethinking corporate spaces to align with innovation and changing work dynamics.
FAQs About Ford’s Headquarters Move
Q1: Why is Ford moving its headquarters after 70 years?
Ford is moving to a new campus designed to enhance collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, while keeping its historic ties to Dearborn.
Q2: Where is Ford’s new headquarters located?
The new headquarters is just 3 miles away from its current Glass House building in Dearborn, Michigan, on the site of the former Product Development Center.
Q3: What will happen to the old Glass House HQ?
Ford has not yet confirmed long-term plans, but the 1 American Road address will carry over to the new campus.
Q4: How many employees will the new campus support?
The site will bring 14,000 employees within walking distance of the main building, creating a collaborative hub for design and engineering.
Q5: What features make the new HQ different?
With six design studios, a large food hall, wellness rooms, and over 300 tech-enabled meeting spaces, the HQ is tailored for innovation and employee engagement.
Conclusion
Ford’s move to a new headquarters after seven decades marks a historic shift for the automaker and Dearborn itself. While the Glass House remains an icon of Ford’s legacy, the new campus reflects its future-facing vision — one that blends history, innovation, and community.
As the auto industry evolves rapidly with EVs, AI, and smart mobility, Ford’s new HQ is set to become a hub for the company’s next chapter.
What do you think about Ford’s historic headquarters move? Will it strengthen its position in the new mobility era? Share your thoughts below!