As Ford prepares to put the current Ranger out to pasture, the Blue Oval is revamping several factories across the globe in preparation for the all-new model. The latest to receive a makeover is the Pacheco plant in Argentina, with Ford investing millions of dollars into the facility.

Now nearing completion, renovations commenced at the beginning of 2021. The implementation of Manufacturing 4.0 processes, new systems, and cutting-edge technology will transform the Pacheco facility into a thoroughly modern plant. In fact, Ford Argentina notes these revisions are the most important changes to be made in the factory's 60-year history.

Aside from new practices and processes, Ford says modern production operations and the latest manufacturing equipment will create one of the most advanced vehicle factories in South America.

While Ranger production has already kicked off in Thailand, the Pacheco plant is only expected to start producing the popular midsize truck in 2023. There's still plenty to be done, but the bodywork sector has already received its fair share of upgrades, including more than 200 automatic welding robots that work together to create the body of the Ranger.

Eventually, the factory hopes to reach a point where zero manual welding is required in key operations. Elsewhere, the stamping area has started testing its new line of high-speed presses. This new system will see productivity increase fourfold; the new stamping facility is capable of punching and stamping simultaneously. To accommodate the larger machines, Ford had to raise the ceilings of the factory.

Currently, the Pacheco facility produces Ranger models for Argentina and several other South American markets, including Guatemala and Panama. The enhancements made to the factory will allow Ford Argentina to import even more models into various markets.

Aside from Thailand and Argentina, the new Ranger will also be produced alongside the new Amarok, at Ford's Silverton plant in South Africa. However, Ranger models destined for our shores will be proudly built in America. The automaker recently announced it will funnel $2 billion into its Michigan plants, for production of the new truck and next-generation Mustang.

Expected to arrive in 2023, the Ranger Raptor will finally be made available to US customers, who were denied the existing model. The new Ranger will most certainly find success wherever it's sold but it will face tough opposition in America, especially since the new GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado recently made their debuts.