Facebook Founder ‘Likes’ Building New F-150 Trucks

Mark Zuckerberg drops by Ford’s Rouge plant, leaves a special surprise for new F-150 owner.

For us “normal” folks, simply visiting the Rouge plant and watching our beloved new F-150 trucks come together is a real treat. But even if you make the trip out to Dearborn and take the tour of the plant, you’re limited to a stroll around a platform high above the work floor. You might get to see Ford employees assembling trucks, but unfortunately, it’s a real hands-off experience.

Now if you happen to be Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, things are a little different. The social media maven recently made his first trip to the state of Michigan. And his first stop was at the Rouge plant for a little lesson in automotive assembly. The trip was part of Zuck’s New Year’s resolution to travel and connect with more Americans. He plans to visit every state by the end of the year, meeting with all sorts of people along the way.

But Zuckerberg didn’t just hang out and receive the VIP treatment while watching Rogue employees do all the work. He donned some safety glasses and proceeded to install some antennas, cleats and drilling screws. And on one truck, he even signed the inspection sticker. Whoever the owner of that particular truck is will undoubtedly be surprised when they find that.

The trip also afforded him the chance to hang out with Bill Ford himself and see how the automaker is using advanced sustainable manufacturing in their operations. Zuck got to ride in a Ford Fusion Hybrid autonomous research vehicle and met with CEO Mark Fields. The two discussed Ford’s current transformation into a mobility company as well.

But above all, his favorite part of the trip was engaging with the line workers. He was impressed with not only their hard work and dedication, but also how close knit they all had become. And if you’re worried that Zuckerberg might have completed some less than stellar work on your next truck, rest assured, those workers have our backs.

“Thanks to Bill Ford and everyone I met for having me,” Zuckerberg said in a post. “And thanks to the line workers who checked my work ☺”

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.