Everyone is Buzzing About Ford's Rouge Complex Guests

PEKIN, Ill., – Everyone is buzzing about Ford's Rouge Complex guests. They're not your typical business partners or future employees. Honeybees have been on the decline for the past 30 years and have recently been labeled as endangered. As part of Ford's environmental initiative, Ford employee Mary Mason has accepted the role of resident bee keeper.

Mason cares for 80,000 honeybees that are responsible for pollinating the crab apple trees at the complex. She checks on them during her lunch breaks, and even on the weekends to make sure they're active. She says she cares for them like she would her pets. 

"They’re really unselfish,” said Mason. “They do everything to preserve the hive, sacrificing themselves to make sure their hive continues for the next generation of bees. I think it’s just a beautiful thing.”

The honeybee population is extremely sensitive to pesticides, and have been impacted by colony collapse disorder, parasites, and pathogens over the past three decades. Bees are an important aspect of agriculture in the United States, as they're responsible for the pollination of crops. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, managed honeybee colonies add at least $15 billion to the agriculture industry annually. 

In addition to the bees at the Rouge plant, Ford assisted in the rescue and removal of thousands of honeybees at the Ohio Assembly plant in Avon Lake, and at the old St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada. 

Everyone is buzzing about Ford's Rouge Complex guests! Honeybees are such an important part of our ecosystem, we're so proud to support Ford and their environmental initiatives! We want to say a big thank you to Mary Mason for caring for Ford's honeybees like family! At Velde Ford in Pekin, we want you to feel like you're in the family when you stop by our dealership or service center! Check out our latest video "Who is Velde Ford?" on Facebook or Youtube!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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