Ford Almussafes, a Valencian plant located in Spain, is finally seeing some positive developments after years of uncertainty. The recent decision to award the factory with the production of a new “multi-energy passenger vehicle” has provided a clear direction for the future and brought relief to the workforce. This confirmation came after a high-level meeting in Dunton, England, where the immediate future of Ford Almussafes was discussed.
The workforce at Ford Almussafes had been anxious about securing new workloads as the plant was about to stop manufacturing the Kuga model, which had been a flagship product. With several other models discontinued in recent years, the workforce faced challenges such as significant staff reductions due to previous employment regulation files (EREs). The assignment of a new model is seen as a way to maintain sufficient workload and potentially avoid further staffing adjustments.
The pandemic has also had an impact on Ford Almussafes, leading to temporary employment regulation files (ERTEs) as the factory struggled with production stoppages, supply chain issues, and market changes. However, the company’s focus on electric vehicles has brought new hope to the plant.
Despite these challenges, Ford Almussafes managed to secure the production of electric models over a German factory in 2022. However, unions have criticized the lack of clear timelines, investments and production volumes for Almussafes. Nonetheless, the determination and resilience of the workforce coupled with strong leadership decisions are paving way for a brighter future for Ford Almussafes.
In conclusion, while Ford Almussafes has faced many difficulties in recent years, securing this new model represents a significant step forward for both the plant and its employees. Providing clarity and stability for their future while opening up opportunities for growth in an exciting new market segment.