Meaning: 'Expanding' means to increase in size, volume, or capacity, indicating that Ford is increasing its operations at the facility.

Wrong options:

• selling: 'Selling' implies a transaction of goods, which does not fit the context of increasing production capacity.
• decorating: 'Decorating' refers to enhancing the appearance of something, which is irrelevant to the operational context of a production facility.
• demolishing: 'Demolishing' means to tear down or destroy, which contradicts the idea of boosting output.

Correct answer: track

Explanation: The term 'track' is appropriate here as it indicates progress towards a goal, fitting grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'to hit that previously announced production milestone.'

Meaning: 'Track' in this context means to be on course or progressing towards a specific target or goal.

Wrong options:

• foot: 'Foot' does not convey a relevant meaning in this context and is not used in expressions related to progress.
• table: 'Table' does not fit contextually as it refers to a piece of furniture or a data arrangement, not progress.
• time: 'Time' does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not indicate progress towards a goal.

Correct answer: bumping

Explanation: The word 'bumping' fits well as it indicates an increase in numbers, aligning with the context of raising employment levels at the plant. It is a gerund that describes the action of increasing the workforce.

Meaning: 'Bumping' means to increase or raise, particularly in the context of numbers or levels, indicating an increase in employment.

Wrong options:

• maintaining: 'Maintaining' suggests keeping the current level, which contradicts the idea of increasing employment.
• diminishing: 'Diminishing' means to decrease, which is the opposite of what is happening in this context.
• decreasing: 'Decreasing' also implies a reduction, which does not fit the context of increasing employment.

Correct answer: complete

Explanation: The word 'complete' is the correct choice as it indicates finishing the expansion of the facility, fitting grammatically and contextually with the ongoing construction efforts mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Complete' means to finish or finalize something, in this case, the expansion of the facility.

Wrong options:

• cease: 'Cease' means to stop, which contradicts the ongoing nature of the expansion work.
• postpone: 'Postpone' implies delaying something, which does not fit the context of completing an expansion.
• reverse: 'Reverse' means to go back or undo, which is not relevant to the context of finishing construction.