Ford’s Merseyside Funding | World Branding Discussion board
PICTURE SOURCE – FORD EUROPE
Ford plans to invest £ 230 million in its Halewood plant on Merseyside to manufacture electric car parts and secure 500 jobs in the UK. The investment will mean the plant will run for many years longer, said Stuart Rowley, President of Ford of Europe.
Government Fund for the Automotive Transformation
Part of the investment will come from the government’s Automotive Transformation Fund. “We are very pleased to have the support of the British government,” Rowley said in an interview with the BBC. “We’re not disclosing the exact amount, but it was good support for a very significant investment in the UK.” Rowley also noted that government support was “part of the decision” to invest in Halewood, “but not that single element “.
Ford’s Halewood plant will begin manufacturing electric drives in 2024 – which will replace the engine and transmission in gasoline vehicles. Ford is not the first company to receive financial assistance for the production of electric vehicles through the Fund, which was set up to encourage investment in the manufacture of electric vehicles in the UK.
In July, Nissan announced an expansion of electric vehicle production at the Sunderland auto plant, which is expected to create 1,650 new jobs. The Japanese automaker will build its new generation all-electric model on site as part of a £ 1 billion investment that will also secure thousands of jobs in the supply chain. Nissan’s partner Envision AESC will build an electric battery plant.
“Our priority is to make sure the UK reaps the benefits”
Ford’s Mr. Rowley said the plans were “a huge vote of confidence.” [the] Workforce. “” Ford has been part of the UK’s industrial and social fabric for many decades, “he said, adding that the plant would be a” very important “part of Ford’s electrification plans in Europe.
Economy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said Ford’s decision was “further evidence that the UK remains one of the best locations in the world for high-quality automobile manufacturing”. “In this highly competitive global race to secure the production of electric vehicles, our priority is to make sure the UK reaps the benefits,” he added.
Kevin Pearson of Unite said the Ford investment “recognizes the experience, commitment and competitiveness of our world-class workforce and is a great source of pride for all of us who work at the Halewood Transmission Plant and for the wider community” .
The global auto giant also recently announced a $ 1 billion investment.
