Council welcomes Ford investment in Basildon

Basildon Council has welcomed the news that Ford is to invest £1.5 billion investment in environmentally friendly engines and vehicles technologies, with much of the work to take place at its Dunton Technical Centre in Basildon.

The Leader of the Council, Tony Ball said that it was ‘great news for Basildon.’

The announcement followed news that the Government had offered a £360m loan guarantee to go towards six projects through its Government’s Automotive Assistance Programme (AAP).

The guarantee backs a proposed loan of £450 million which is being considered by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Ford's plans will safeguard around 2,800 skilled jobs in the UK at its research and development centre at Dunton in Essex as well as its manufacturing plants in Dagenham, Southampton and Bridgend in South Wales. Ford currently provides 29 per cent of the UK's automotive sector research and development.

Cllr Tony Ball, Leader of the Council, said:

"This is great news for Basildon, its businesses and residents. We are delighted that this investment in research and development will help to support 2,800 jobs in the District.

" The government investment is welcome, and shows the confidence that both the public and private sector have in Basildon. Ford is one of our flagship companies, and this investment will help to raise the profile of Basildon as a great place to do business and place for innovation."

Cllr Phil Turner, cabinet member for resources, said:

"This is a very welcome piece of news, showing that Basildon has battled through the recession with the Council and private sector working together. This investment will keep the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Ford and Basildon alive."

The projects to be supported cover research and development for Ford's commercial vehicles such as the Transit and Connect vans and the development of low carbon emission diesel and petrol engines. This includes investment in production facilities for new lower carbon engines in Bridgend which was also supported by the Welsh Assembly Government last year. Currently 25 per cent of all Ford engines worldwide and over 50 per cent of all Ford diesel engines are made in the UK.