Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed the announcement made today (Thursday 1 December) that Ford will invest £380 million in new electric drive units to be built at its Halewood factory in Merseyside. 

The announcement protects the existing 470 jobs at the plant and the company is also committed to creating 200 new positions over the next two years. The first phase of recruitment will begin in early 2023.

The new electric drive units will be fitted to all of Ford’s best selling vehicles including the Puma, Cougar and the new Transit.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a landmark decision which has secured the long-term future of the plant.

“This announcement vindicates the hard yards that Unite has put in to ensure substantial new investment at Halewood.”

During the interim period, as the new infrastructure is installed and the plant transitions from combustion engines to full electric drive units, the workforce will receive training and up-skilling.

Unite regional officer Joey Swift said: “This is an extremely positive announcement that ensures the future of the site for the current workforce and for future generations.

“It is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the workforce at Halewood that has ensured that Ford has made the decision to invest heavily in the UK automotive industry.

“Huge credit must be given to Unite’s convenor and his stewards in ensuring this decision was made.”

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.