Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford’s UK factories to resume production on 18 May

Production will resume at Ford’s engine plants in Dagenham and Bridgend on 18 May, the company has announced

Ford is resuming initial production at its UK plants in England and Wales on 18 May, the manufacturer has announced.

The engine plants in Dagenham, Essex and Bridgend, Wales are the only European Ford plants not to have reopened yet, with the UK having passed the peak of the coronavirus pandemic later than the rest of the continent.

Until now, a limited number of staff have continued to work at Ford’s facilities in the UK, with non-production employees unable to work from home having started returning to work as early as 4 May.

Social distancing measures

When the two plants fully reopen next week, strict social distancing measures will be in place. Anyone entering a factory will be required to wear a face mask, or a face shield at workstations where employees cannot stay two metres apart.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There will be body temperature checks on anyone entering the facilities, and employees will complete a daily self-assessed wellness survey. Work areas will also be redesigned to meet social distancing protocols where possible.

All employees will be provided with a personal care kit, including disposable face masks and a reusable thermometer. The face masks are being produced by Ford itself, helping reduce demand on PPE supply chains.

• Can I drive during the coronavirus lockdown?

Graham Hoare, chairman of Ford of Britain, said: “As we return to work at our two engine plants in the UK, our key priority is the implementation of Ford’s global standards on social distancing and strengthened health and safety protocols to safeguard the well-being of our workforce.

“The past few months have been an extraordinary period for our business and our country, but throughout the pandemic Ford people have shown the strength of character that truly makes them the Backbone of Britain.

“From building sub-assemblies for the VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium at Dagenham, to manufacturing face masks at our Dunton Campus, and from loaning in excess of 200 vehicles to more than 40 organisations - including 10 National Health Service ambulance trusts - to those in our workforce engaged in supporting their communities in a wide range of actions, Ford employees have made a valuable contribution to this country’s fight against coronavirus.”

Has coronavirus changed your car-buying plans? Take our survey and tell us how...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024
How Ford and Vauxhall became national treasures
Assortment of Fords and Vauxhalls
Features

How Ford and Vauxhall became national treasures

We take a look at the rivalry of two manufacturers that have battled for the hearts, minds and money of British car buyers
27 Dec 2023
'Once-dominant Ford and Vauxhall could become also-rans in the future'
Opinion - Ford plant
Opinion

'Once-dominant Ford and Vauxhall could become also-rans in the future'

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks Ford and Vauxhall need to get their pricing right in the EV era if they are to remain popular with customers
15 Nov 2023
New Ford Capri spied testing for the first time
Electric Ford Capri - front
News

New Ford Capri spied testing for the first time

Iconic Ford nameplate will return on MEB-based crossover
9 Nov 2023

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024