Ford offer VR to Bridgend workers as JLR contract expires

The latest Dragon petrol engine line has seen its original capacity halved to 125,000 units annually as well and the unions predict the plant may eventually need only about 700 employees to make them in the foreseeable future unless it secures more contracts.

A possible venture is supporting production of a new 4×4 in the style of the famous Defender and being planned by petrol-chemical company Ineos, which has been to meet Ford management and Welsh Government officials at Bridgend.

A huge area of Welsh Government owned land behind the plant and bordering the A48 has been cleared in recent weeks.

Nissan and Honda plan changes

The collapse of diesel sales and introduction of new powertrain technologies, a change in the demand for larger SUVs and a dramatic slow down in Nissan’s UK sales have combined with the likely trade issues following Brexit to make the company consolidate the new models in Kyushu, Japan.

Honda Swindon is increasing  production of it Civic model to stockpile models in case of Brexit disruptions. It is concerned about the issues of parts coming into the plant and completed models being exported so it will build more to hold onto or ship abroad.