Welsh Government has set out the aims it wants a task force to work towards following the “devastating” closure announcement last week of the Ford Bridgend Engine Plant.
After 40 years on the Waterton site east of Bridgend, Ford will close by autumn 2020 and make 1,700 people redundant.
Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, said local AM and former First Minister Carwyn Jones, who has visited the site many times (right), will oversee the Ford Task Force.
A prominent figure from the Welsh automotive industry will chair the task force composed of Welsh and local government representatives, trade unions and business interests.
Mr Skates said, “The role of Ford in this work will be pivotal. I will be writing to the Company in the coming days, alongside the UK Government, to set out our expectations of how Ford must support the community it has been a key part of for the past four decades.
“I will be clear that it is essential that we work with the company to secure a significant legacy for the whole community including those within the supply chain. That legacy should reflect the enormous contribution of workers, the community and the tax payers over many years.
“The impact that Ford’s announcement has had, and will continue to have, on the people living and working in Bridgend must be at the forefront of all our efforts.”