Ford future fears for Almussafes

Car plant is Ribera Baixa town's biggest employer, but motor company plans a 'review' of factories in five countries, including Spain

PANIC has broken out in Almussafes after the Ford motor vehicle company announced a 'review' of its factories in five countries.

Neither the reason for nor the nature of the firm's intended 'revision' are clear, except that it will involve their factories in the UK, Germany, Turkey, Romania and Spain.

Almussafes, the wealthiest town in the Ribera Baixa – a district that includes the holiday hotspots of Cullera and Sueca – and the 35th richest in the Valencia region, has lived off its Ford factory for decades.

Mayor Toni González (PSPV), who has been receiving floods of calls from residents and neighbouring town councils, has urged everyone to 'stay calm'.

“We cannot contemplate a 'Ford-free' scenario, given what it means to us,” Sr González said.

“And we know the situation Europe-wide is complex, that we are likely to face structural changes and having to adapt to new technology, but we don't think Ford will disappear from Almussafes or that the company is thinking about leaving the town.”

Sr González admitted he knows no more than anyone else as yet, but said the local plant has plenty in its favour.

“We're talking about the best-prepared Ford factory in Europe, which manufactures one of its star models – the Kuga – and all models produced here are excellent value for money,” the mayor argued.

“The Almussafes factory is a jewel in Ford's crown and it has received lots of grants from the council and regional government. And Ford itself has invested over €3 billion in Almussafes in the last decade.”

Less than a year ago, Ford ploughed €750 million into the Ribera Baixa factory for the Kuga, which accounts for about 50% of the plant's production.

The factory is one of the most flexible in Europe and can manufacture six different models. Over 7,000 people, mostly from the same district, work there, and during the financial crisis about 90% of household earnings in the Ribera came from the Ford plant .

Its activity makes up 3% of the region's overall GDP, 90% of its GDP from industry, and 15% of its exports.