Ford confirms closure of two UK plants
Automotive giant Ford is to close the Southampton manufacturing plant where it makes Transit vans, as part of a plan to re-organise its European operations.
The actions include the planned closure of two UK facilities next year – Ford's assembly plant in Southampton, and stamping and tooling operations in Dagenham. The company also plans to end production at a major assembly plant in Genk, Belgium, by the end of 2014. The three facilities currently employ approximately 5,700 people.
Ford ceo Alan Mulally said: "We recognise the impact our actions will have on many employees and their families in Europe, and we will work together with all stakeholders during this necessary transformation of our business."
The company said the announcement addressed manufacturing overcapacity stemming from the more than 20% drop in total industry vehicle demand across Western Europe since 2007. New vehicle sales in the region had reached a nearly 20 year low this year and were expected to remain flat or fall further next year.
