Ford is on the look-out for 250 new production operators as it cranks up its plans to manufacture its next generation 2.0-litre diesel engine, which will find its way into the manufacturer’s commercial vehicle line-up in 2016.
The recruitment push is being driven by the desire to install a new diesel engine production line at Ford’s Dagenham Engine Plant, as it plans to produce a new low carbon dioxide diesel engine family.
The project will see development of these diesel applications being carried out between Dagenham and its Dunton Technical Centre, with the first engine scheduled for production at the end of 2015.
Mark Ovenden, Chairman and Managing Director for Ford of Britain, said, “This recruitment programme underlines Ford’s commitment to the UK and signals the final step towards the production of an all-new, state-of-the-art, low carbon diesel engine that has been designed, developed and manufactured by Ford in the UK.”
The new recruits will join the existing 2,000 employees at Dagenham, with the first wave due in December followed by others in the first half of 2015.
The new production operators will be part of the manufacturing team to help maintain Dagenham’s overall production target at close to one million engines per year. Last year saw the East London plant produce 787,398 diesel powerplants, with 85% exported.
The new £380 million two-litre diesel engine development initiative is part of Ford’s £1.5 billion investment earmarked to manufacture low carbon and environmentally friendly engines, with this project also being subsidised by support from the government’s Regional Growth Fund.
The £3.2 billion RGF is designed to help companies in England grow and encourage private investment and the creation of sustainable jobs.
Greg Clark MP, Minister for Universities, Science and Cities, said, “The Regional Growth Fund is playing a pivotal part in supporting businesses such as Ford to grow and create long-term, highly-skilled jobs. Round six of the Regional Growth Fund is open for bids until 30 September – I urge businesses to consider how it could help them increase their workforce.”
