On Wednesday June 22, the American giant Ford confirmed its intention to make the Valencia plant its ” privileged site to assemble new electric vehicles, to the detriment of the factory in Saarlouis, Germany. While decision was taken after a comparison of the two sites, giving the advantage to Spain, it will have serious consequences on the future of employees in Germany, point out the unions.
Celebrations are in order in Spain
Ford’s arbitration in favor of its factory in Valencia has aroused enthusiasm in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez himself hailed the positive consequences of this choice for Spanish employment. Indeed, the site currently has 6,000 employees.
Brittany Ferries prepares its transition to hybrid vessels
Pepe Alvarez, general secretary of the General Union of Workers (UGT), expressed his relief with this ” great news that guarantees the future of the Factory “. The union believes that Ford’s announcement ” ensures a future for employees for 12 years “.
Ford intends to grow its business in Europe with this new start. ” Bringing our all-new electric vehicle architecture to Valencia will help us grow a profitable business in Europe, secure high-value jobs and increase Ford’s offering. “, indicates the press release.
The cold shower for German Ford workers
Unlike their Spanish counterparts, German trade unionists expressed their fears about this decision. In Saarlouis, there are concerns about the risk of job losses in the context of a cessation of production. Especially since the future at Ford is electric. The manufacturer wants 50% of its production to be electric by 2030.
The Saarlouis site has 4,600 employees, underlines the local union IG Metall. But with the supplier network, “ it’s about 6000 jobs “, he adds. Union official Lars Desganges urges Ford to come up with “ prospects for Saarlouis “.
For its part, the American company assured that the German plant will continue to produce Ford Focus passenger cars.