Ford project secures hundreds of UK jobs
Hundreds of jobs have been safeguarded in Britain thanks to a £115m (€166.1m) project to build a new transmission system for Ford cars, it was announced today.
A £5m (€7.2m) British government grant has been given towards the project in Halewood, Merseyside, which was secured against strong European competition.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: “This is great news for Merseyside and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to high-value manufacturing.
“The investment will help this facility to establish itself as a globally competitive site and safeguard over 730 jobs, helping increase and improve local skills.”
The minister said the decision by Getrag Ford, a joint venture between the motor manufacturer and German transmission specialist Getrag, showed the attractiveness of Merseyside as a manufacturing location.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Regional Development Agency, said: “This investment is exciting news for Merseyside, and the North West as a whole, which has a long and established history of manufacturing excellence.
“This new facility will enable Getrag Ford Transmissions to enhance their productivity and competitiveness, while safeguarding a significant number of local jobs.”
Company vice president John McDonald said: “Merseyside is an important European location and we are delighted that we will now enhance our presence here with this important project which will result in a world class manufacturing facility.”
