Ford’s Valencian plant in Almussafes is celebrating after securing the production of a new “multi-energy passenger vehicle.” This decision brings relief to the workforce after years of uncertainty and lack of clarity from the company regarding its electrification strategy. The confirmation of the new model’s production at a meeting in Dunton, England, solidifies the plant’s immediate future.
The workforce at Ford Almussafes was facing the impending stop of manufacturing the Kuga model, the plant’s flagship. With the discontinuation of three models in recent years, including Mondeo, S-Max, and Galaxy, securing new workload was crucial. The workforce had been reduced to historic lows due to the 2023 ERE, leading to the departure of 1,124 employees.
The assignment of the new model is seen as a way to maintain sufficient workload and avoid further staffing adjustments. However, uncertainties remain about which electric models will be manufactured in Almussafes and how it will impact employment. The factory has been struggling since the pandemic, with production stoppages, supply crises, and market shifts affecting operations.
The company’s announcement of the new model production has been welcomed by government officials but comes amid an extension of the current ERTE until April 19. Questions remain about the timelines, investments, and production volumes for Almussafes, with the roadmap for the future still unclear. Despite the challenges, the plant managed to secure the production of electric models over a German factory in 2022, but further details are needed for long-term planning.