Investment will help create 318 jobs
Part of a £1.5 billion investment by Ford in low-carbon and environmentally friendly engine and vehicle technology
The announcement has confirmed the second phase of investment in the new engine programme following the original investment of £287 million for phase one with support from the UK Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
The first phase of investment relates to the production of state-of-the-art low carbon 2.0 litre diesel engines for Ford commercial vehicles (CVs) globally. The second phase is for low carbon, 2.0 litre diesel engines for passenger cars.
Stephen Odell, Ford Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “This all-new, state-of-the-art, low carbon diesel engine has not only been designed and developed here it will be manufactured by Ford in the UK too. And it will be great for UK plc as these engines will be exported to markets around the world.”
The first ‘phase one’ engines will come off the line towards the end of next year. Production capacity will be up to 350,000 units per year – one engine produced every 30 seconds – and will be installed in Ford commercial vehicles from 2016.
Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “I welcome Ford’s commitment to Dagenham and the UK, which is a vote of confidence in our long-term economic plan to back business, create more jobs and secure a brighter future for Britain. We are backing our automotive sector so that it continues to thrive and this investment, supported by £8.9 million from Government’s Regional Growth Fund, will create more jobs that mean financial security and economic piece of mind for more hardworking families.”
Business Secretary, Vince Cable, said: “From pencil line to production line, these engines will be fully designed and built in the UK, securing the future of the plant at Dagenham and creating over 300 new jobs. This latest investment by Ford, is testament to the strength of our automotive sector and demonstrates Ford’s ongoing commitment to the UK.”
This latest diesel engine programme at Ford Dagenham is part of a £1.5 billion investment by Ford in low-carbon and environmentally friendly engine and vehicle technology over five years.
