Ford Bridgend Engine Plant workers are today in a series of meetings with the leader of their Unite Union, Len McCluskey, over the future of the plant. He is meeting workers on the three shifts to discuss the reduction in engine manufacturing after Ford confirmed the current workforce was sustainable only until 2020, when a contract with JLR for V6 and V8 engines is due to end. It currently … [Read more...]
Union give Ford deadline for plan
Unite union has given Ford management a two week ultimatum to announce a five-year plan for its engine plant in Bridgend. General secretary candidate Len McCluskey yesterday met managers and shop stewards at the plant five months after Ford announced cut backs on its planned investment in the new Dragon engine but has said 1,850 workers would not be affected. Mr McCluskey said he wants … [Read more...]
Plant briefings to follow Ford and Unite meeting
Unite union leaders and workers at Bridgend Engine Plant will be briefed about discussions with Ford over future investment. The union and car-maker had private meetings in London on Friday and details of the talks have not been given by either side. Afterwards, head of Unite Len McCluskey said, “Our concerns in relation to Ford’s commitment to its UK plants, and in particular to the … [Read more...]
First Minister meets Ford to discuss Bridgend investment
First Minister, Carwyn Jones, and Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, met the Vice President of Ford Europe, Linda Cash to discuss the future of the Ford site in Bridgend. The meeting came on the day Ford executives were in the plant to see it complete its 20M engine in exactly 37 years and speaking after the meeting in Cardiff Bay, First Minister Carwyn Jones said, “I was pleased to … [Read more...]
Ford apprentice skills on parade for Army charities
The skills of BEP apprentices went on parade for the Army in Wales. The capable company of apprentices under the guidance of mentor Gary Fender used their imagination to create a modern range of furniture from recycled engine components. The engine-block table, chess-board and pieces, candlesticks and stands, was the star auction at the summer dinner of 157 (Welsh) Regiment Royal Logistic … [Read more...]
For the love of a duck …..
Ford security guard Stewart Webster was unflappable when he saw a duck in distress outside the main gate to Bridgend Engine Plant. The entrance is adjacent to Ogmore River and he saw a duck and some ducklings gathering around a drain cover on the access road and suddenly one of them fell through the grating. “I ran over and the duck was making a noise but when I got there I had no … [Read more...]
Redundancies sought at Ford engine plant
Voluntary redundancies are being sought in the Ford Bridgend Engine Plant. The car giant wants to cut up to 10 percent of its white collar and non-production staff at Bridgend as part of a European-wide cull to cut costs. The 36-year-old South Wales plant employs just over 2,000 people but nearly all are hourly-paid shop-floor workers and only a few dozen jobs are likely to disappear in … [Read more...]
Welsh engine plant will make new generation for Ford
Ford has approved an investment of £181 million at its Bridgend Engine Plant to produce a family of all-new, technologically-advanced, fuel-efficient petrol engines. The investment includes Welsh Government support of £14.67 million, with production planned to start in late 2018 and a leading authority on the industry says it is likely to lead to still more investment in future. The Ford … [Read more...]
Welsh engines power new single seater racing series
Engines from Ford Bridgend plant will power the UK’s newest single-seater formula for future grand prix stars. The all-new MSA Formula single-seat race car, powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, heralds a new chapter this weekend in Ford’s association with junior category racing. The single-seat race car will compete in FIA-accredited Formula 4 championships in Britain, Australia and … [Read more...]
Ford want Government help to bring new engine to Bridgend
Ford has asked the Welsh Government for £15M to bring a new engine to its Bridgend plant, according to media reports. The investment request was first made last year but has been re-submitted as the company has to shortly decide where to install the new engine, but Bridgend is said to be its plant of choice, according to the Sunday Times. The investment comes as Ford of Europe is expected to … [Read more...]