Ford has recently revealed an investment of £181 million at its Bridgend Engine Plant in South Wales. Producing a family of all-new, technologically-advanced, fuel-efficient petrol engines, the plant has benefited from a total £1.8 billion investment since it opened 35 years ago.
In a collaborative effort, specialist teams from the UK and Germany have worked on the design of the new engines. Contributing to the project were workers from Fords Technical and Research and Innovation Centres in Germany, working alongside their British colleagues from the Technical Centre in Essex.
Welsh Economy Minister Edwina Hart welcomed the announcement: “Ford is a Welsh Anchor Company and the Bridgend Engine Plant plays a key role in the economy of South Wales. In a climate of stiff global competitiveness, we have been actively seeking to win a share of this investment for Wales and so we are delighted with today’s announcement.
“Ford’s decision to manufacture its new innovative engine here in Wales is a tribute to the reputation of the local management team and the quality and loyalty of the Welsh workforce and will safeguard more than 750 skilled Welsh jobs for many years.”
The facility at Bridgend now produces more than 19 million engines, powering the popular models of Ford Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Kuga and Mondeo.
Earlier this year, Ford built its 5 millionth vehicle worldwide equipped with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost petrol engine. In Europe more than 25 percent of all Ford vehicles sold are fitted with the award winning EcoBoost engine. Winner of the’ International Engine of the Year’ from 2012 – 2015, it is the most popular EcoBoost version in Europe.
Including Welsh Government support of £14.67 million production is expected to commence late 2018.
By Tracey McBain
