20,000,000, that’s a heck of a large number and yet rather incredibly, Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant (BEP) in Wales has just built its 20-millionth engine, 37 years after the first engine was built in September 1979.
Linda Cash, vice president of Manufacturing, Ford of Europe joined Bridgend Engine Plant manager, Ian Pearson, in marking the achievement sharing with MotorMartin that: “Bridgend has a proud record of high-quality engine production and I’m delighted to celebrate this significant milestone with the team that builds them.”
“Today the plant builds a range of high-tech EcoBoost products, and we continue to invest in Bridgend, with the plant confirmed to build the next generation of fuel-efficient petrol engines.”
Ford have informed MotorMartin that their Bridgend operation currently supplies petrol engines, including EcoBoost products which provide ultra-low emissions, excellent fuel economy, refinement and performance, for a range of Ford vehicles. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost is available in the Ford Focus, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo, and Ford S-MAX models. The multi-award winning Ford Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, also built in Bridgend. The plant also supplies six and eight-cylinder engines for premium customers.
And in further good news for the plant and the Bridgend locality, an all-new family of technologically-advanced, fuel-efficient petrol engines has been confirmed to be built there. With an initial investment of £100 million, production is planned to start in late 2018. Excellent.
Well done to Ford for continuing to show faith in UK manufacturing and for the further investment necessary to keep the plant ahead of the game. It’s surely a win win situation for all parties.
Where will you go?