End of an era as car plant shuts
WORKERS have left the Ford manufacturing plant in Bridgend as the factory closed for the final time after being in operation for 40 years.
The site shut its doors yesterday, more than a year after its closure was announced by car giant Ford in June 2019.
When that closure was confirmed, 1,644 people were employed at the plant. A total of 999 remained, continuing to work up until the final bell tolled.
It has been an emotional few months for staff at the site, coming to a head yesterday, which one worker called a “very poignant day”.
Lee Thomas worked at the site for a year, and his father Anthony retired in 2019 having worked there for 30 years. Both went down to say goodbye to the old place.
Lee, aged 29, took with him a 1984 Ford Orion, the engine of which was built at the factory before he was born.
“We went down there today to mark the end of an era really,” said Lee.
“My father spent most of his life there and the plant helped build our family, so it was quite a poignant moment for us. I have an old Ford Orion so I took that down there once last time.”
Lee’s father Anthony retired last year, but Lee said that some workers are not fortunate enough to be in that position, and will have to find work elsewhere.
“For him it was 30 years going in and out of the same place,” said Lee. “When he left last year he was thinking ‘ what does the future hold now?’ – and I do worry about some of the other people who have now left who must be thinking the same thing.
“Nearly 1,000 were leaving today and they won’t even be able to go out together like they normally would because of Covid-19.
“So it’s been a very poignant day. Some of the workers were coming out and leaving their work boots in their car parking spaces before they left.”
Other people have also been reflecting on the plant’s closure.
Andrew Pearson, a Unite Convenor at the plant, shared his thoughts on social media.
“This sad day has been coming for over 15 months with the closure of Ford Bridgend Engine Plant,” said Mr Pearson.
“With world-class performance, everyone can leave with their heads held high. The plant has over 40 years of history, today is an extremely poignant day for everyone at the plant.”
The plant’s manager, Wallace Yearwood, said those who worked there could be proud of all they had achieved, and that, since the factory opened in 1980, more than 22 million engines have been manufactured there, before being shipped and used all over the world.
“Today marks the end of 40 years of engine production at Bridgend Engine Plant,” said Mr Yearwood.
“I want to thank everyone, past and present, for what you have done to contribute to our success. Ever since the June 2019 announcement, you have continued to produce engines and components to the high-quality standards and quantity levels that have built our reputation over these past 40 years as a trusted and dependable member of the Ford manufacturing team.”
Peter Hughes, regional secretary for Unite Wales, called Friday a “dark day” for thousands of people.
“Today is a desperately sad day for all the Welsh workers whose employment with Ford officially ends today,” said Mr Hughes. “It is also a dark day for the many thousands of others who also worked at this iconic manufacturing facility over the past 40 years.
Meanwhile, leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Huw David, said that Friday marked “the end of a 40-year era”.
Union GMB said that, rather than apportion blame on anyone for the site’s closure, it was now a time to “come together” to build a new future for manufacturing in Wales.