Ford Secures Future of Almussafes Factory in Valencia with New Passenger Vehicle Assignment
Ford’s global management has recently made a decision to assign the Almussafes factory in Valencia with the production of a new passenger vehicle, which will maintain sufficient workload while decisions about electrification are being made. The majority union in the plant, UGT, conveyed this information to the workers after a meeting with Ford’s global president, Jim Farley. This decision was seen positively and constructively by the union.
The Almussafes factory had been left with only one manufacturing model, the Kuga, after ceasing production of the Transit van. With the assignment of a new model, the factory’s immediate future has been secured, providing hope for the more than 4,800 people employed there. However, uncertainty had arisen due to the lack of necessary investments for electric vehicle production.
Ford had initially chosen to produce its new electric vehicle platform at the Almussafes factory in Valencia, but investments required for this have not materialized yet. This has caused concerns about the future of the plant and its workers. Nevertheless, Ford’s global management’s commitment provides hope and security for those employed there.
The President of Spain’s Government, Pedro Sánchez, hailed this decision as excellent news for Valencia and its workers in Spain. The Valencian automotive cluster also reacted positively to this news and looks forward to clearer information on units manufactured, employment guaranteed and investment needed soon.