The Welsh Government has appointed a chair of a taskforce set up to support 1,700 staff that will lose their jobs when Ford closes its engine plant at Bridgend, in south Wales, next year.
Originally from Bangor in north Wales, Richard Parry-Jones is a former chief technical officer and head of global R&D operations for Ford, as well as being chair of the Welsh Automotive Forum.
The taskforce will meet for the first time on July 1st in Bridgend.
It will have a particular focus on:
- People - focusing on those working at Ford Bridgend and within the engine plant’s supply chains to ensure they are supported throughout the consultation and in the future.
- Potential - focusing on the long term potential for the site by attracting new investment to secure its future and the skills of the workforce.
- Place - focusing on the wider impact on the community and securing a resilient future for the area and wider region.
The taskforce will be jointly sponsored by Economy Minister Ken Skates and the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns.
Mr Cairns said: “The impact that Ford’s announcement has had, and will continue to have, on the people living and working in Bridgend must be at the forefront of all our minds and efforts.
“I’m delighted, therefore, that someone of the stature and background of Professor Richard Parry-Jones has agreed to chair this vital taskforce.
Mr Skates said: “We’ve seen how successful such taskforces can be in helping match skillsets with opportunities elsewhere in Wales. So it's vitally important that this taskforce in particular considers not only the enormous amount the workforce and facility has to offer, but also that its works closely to help companies in the wider supply chain.
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“In the conversations I’ve had to date with all parties, there is a real will and determination to support these workers who have done everything that Ford have asked of them over the past four decades, wherever possible. This taskforce forms part of our efforts to do just that.”
Site potential
The freehold to the engine plant is owned by Ford. A major redevelopment scheme, next to the factory, is being spearheaded by the Welsh Government at Brocastle.
Work to prepare the land for new employment space covering more than 750,000 sq ft began in May and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2020. It is being undertaken by Walters.
The construction work to prepare the site is being funded by £10m from Welsh Government including £6m of EU funding.
The first phase of planned development covers around 17 acres of the 111 acre site.
The Welsh Government remains hopefully that the site will secure a new off road vehicle investment from Ineos Automotive.
With the Ford engine plant forming part of a bigger development site, supported by a new rail station and transport hub, it could make a much wider site more attractive for investment, as well as benefiting from its relatively close proximity to a deep water port at Port Talbot.
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The focus will be on Ford gifting its engine plant site, located close to the M4 motorway, to the Welsh Government.
On the Brocastle site Mr Skates said: “This is one of several significant employment sites which the Welsh Government will be bringing forward to enable the development of modern business space, which is so badly needed to create jobs and support our economy.
“One of the challenges we face in providing good-quality jobs is ensuring the right business space is available at the right location. Sites like this in Brocastle, which is ready for development and well-connected to local infrastructure, are essential in meeting our ambitions.
“I am pleased we’ve now appointed contractors for the Brocastle site. They will undertake the vital work to provide the infrastructure and services necessary for the development of the site, providing valuable jobs in the construction phase and helping to make the site an attractive proposition for businesses.”
Nick Rolfe, contracts director, at Walters said: “We are delighted that we have been appointed for this vital strategic project and are excited to be able to commence work in early May.
" Using the Welsh Government community benefit measurement Tool we aim to deliver a partnering approach with Welsh Government, the local community and our supply chain to create a long-term legacy of employment, opportunity, physical benefits and environmental excellence.”