Image copyright
Reuters
Ford’s Bridgend site is one of the European plants closing
Car giant Ford has said it is planning to cut about 12,000 jobs across its European operations by the end of 2020 as it seeks to streamline its business.
It is planning to close five European sites, including the Bridgend engine plant in Wales, and is selling another.
Ford currently employs 51,000 people in Europe through directly owned operations and joint ventures.
The carmaker also said that Dunton in the UK would be the home for Ford Europe’s commercial vehicles business.
‘Hardest decision’
Ford said that of the 12,000 jobs affected, 2,000 were salaried roles, which are among the previously announced 7,000 salaried jobs that are being cut worldwide.
The company said that it hoped to achieved most of the cutbacks through voluntary redundancy.
“Separating employees and closing plants are the hardest decisions we make, and in recognition of the effect on families and communities, we are providing support to ease the impact,” said Stuart Rowley, president of Ford of Europe.
“We are grateful for the ongoing consultations with our works councils, trade union partners and elected representatives.
“Together, we are moving forward and focused on building a long-term sustainable future for our business in Europe.”
Ford is planning to close or sell six manufacturing plants by the end of next year. These include:
- The proposed closure of the Bridgend Engine Plant in south Wales
- The closure of the Ford Aquitaine Industries Transmission Plant in France
- The closure of the Naberezhnye Chelny Assembly, St Petersburg Assembly and Elabuga Engine Plant in Russia
- The sale of the Kechnec Transmission Plant in Slovakia to Magna.
The company is also carrying out shift reductions at its assembly plants in Saarlouis, Germany, and Valencia, Spain.