Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The Ford factory in Southampton today. Chris Ison/PA Wire
motors

Ford's British van factory set to close: reports

Around 500 jobs potentially at stake should the Southampton factory close.

FORD IS SET to close a factory in the English city of Southampton with the loss of 500 jobs in the latest European restructuring move after it shut down a plant in Belgium, reports said today.

Union officials said it was a “very worrying time” for the 500 employees at the site on the south coast of England, which has made around 2.2 million Transit vans since 1972.

The workforce has been reduced over the years, as production slumped from 66,000 vehicles in 2008 to 28,000 last year after the plant moved to single shift operation.

The US auto giant will reportedly announce the closure on Thursday, the day after it shut its factory in the Belgian city of Genk with the loss of 4,300 jobs.

Ford has not confirmed or denied the reports about the Southampton plant.

John Denham, who represents Southampton for the opposition Labour party, said it would be “devastating” if the factory shuts.

“Huge numbers of families would be affected. It would also be very bad for the UK motor industry,” he told the BBC.

“Obviously, we hope it’s not true but it would be devastating if it closed, there are hundreds of jobs that depend directly on the plant and many others in the local economy.

“Southampton is the only place that still makes complete Ford vehicles of any type in the UK.”

Ford employs around 11,400 workers in Britain at component plants including Dagenham in Essex in southeast England, Halewood on Merseyside in northwest England and Bridgend in south Wales.

- © AFP, 2012

Your Voice
Readers Comments
5
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds