The End of Ford made in Britain TODAY

[grober]

With the closure of the FORD Transit production factory at the Swaythling plant in Southamton and its associated the tool and stamping operation in Dagenham Ford have effectively ended all their vehicle production on the UK mainland today . Transit production is being moved to Turkey - where production costs are "significantly lower" Turkey allegedly got a huge £80 million EEC handout for this of which we paid £10 million = result we are indirectly paying Ford to move production away from the UK. Ford's £80m EU loan to boost Turkey factory - and close ours (From Daily Echo)

Ford continue to manufacture engines in the UK Mainly at Bridgend in Wales. BBC News - Last shift at Ford's Transit van factory in Swaythling

 

[mejermy]

IMO the presence of foreign manufacturers employing UK workers in UK plants is the only reason for us to remain in the EU. It is often said that the attraction for these foreign firms is our membership and thus presence as a 'springboard' in to EU. Quite ironic that Turkey isn't EU however. If the Japs etc. begin to follow Ford there will be no argument at all for remaining in EU.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

have worked on many Ford program launches in Europe over the last few years, its a sad day, I wonder if Ford will ever return to these shores?

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

If only it was just Ford that have stopped manufacturing in the U.K. We hear so much bull about double dip and triple dip recession , when in truth there has been a constant decline in manufacturing output here for years. Look around industrial estates and see how many units remain empty. Then look at the companies that are still there and see how many are British owned,and when you speak to the management there , do not be surprised to hear tales of woe about declining production , long hours worked by salaried staff , etc. very scary times that we live in !

 

[renault12ts]

Is Ford British owned?

We make more cars in Britain today than at any time previously.

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

Not trying to imply that Ford are British owned , but a huge proportion of our industries are foreign owned , with many of them closing U.K. factories and producing elsewhere , with a resulting decline in manufacturing jobs here.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Ford Motor Company was founded over 100 years ago by an American.
Henry Ford and his family built the business from scratch and still own major shares of the company. The company is also owned by stockholders and investors....

Is Ford British owned?

We make more cars in Britain today than at any time previously.

 

[renault12ts]

Ford Motor Company was founded over 100 years ago by an American.
Henry Ford and his family built the business from scratch and still own major shares of the company. The company is also owned by stockholders and investors....

So...it's not British.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

agree totally, due to this decline is also the cause of the engineering 'skills' shortage which we now have...

If only it was just Ford that have stopped manufacturing in the U.K. We hear so much bull about double dip and triple dip recession , when in truth there has been a constant decline in manufacturing output here for years. Look around industrial estates and see how many units remain empty. Then look at the companies that are still there and see how many are British owned,and when you speak to the management there , do not be surprised to hear tales of woe about declining production , long hours worked by salaried staff , etc. very scary times that we live in !

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

Whilst U.K. car production may be up on the preceeding few years , we do not produce more than ever. Current figures suggest 1,45 million this year. In the late 90s we produced about 1.8 million. As has already been said , we are certainly short of skilled young people. Most of the engineers i meet are at least 40 , with many being late 50s to early 60s.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

I know guys who are 67 and are still working due to demand...the like of JLR tend to employ graduate's with no or little experience, reading from the forum's there quality issues still remain...

The government have just realised we do not have the old 5 year intensive engineering apprenticeships anymore, which I served....problem is there is now a 20 year gap to fill.

Whilst U.K. car production may be up on the preceeding few years , we do not produce more than ever. Current figures suggest 1,45 million this year. In the late 90s we produced about 1.8 million. As has already been said , we are certainly short of skilled young people. Most of the engineers i meet are at least 40 , with many being late 50s to early 60s.

 

[pingping]

sign of the times for many companys ,cheaper to build abroad bye bye britain hello india and china etc etc etc