End of the Road for Ford engine production in Bridgend…
Today, 6th June 2019, it has been confirmed that Ford is to close the company’s engine factory at Bridgend, after nearly 40 years of building motors there.
In a statement, the firm said, “After detailed consideration, Ford today confirmed the start of a consultation with its unions concerning the potential closure of the Ford Bridgend Engine Plant in South Wales. The proposed action is a necessary step to support Ford’s global business redesign and is part of the company’s strategy to create a more efficient and focused business in Europe.”
Behind these carefully phrased words lies yet another very sad story in terms of the British automotive industry.
It is expected that the plant will close in 2020; demand for Bridgend-built engines has been falling, and the ending of the Jaguar/Land Rover contract next year has been another hammer blow for the facility.
For sure there will be deep despair in south Wales today, and the repercussions will be felt for decades to come.