Vince Cable The Secretary of State For Business Visits Ford Bridgend

Ford's engine plant in Bridgend, Wales welcomed Vince Cable MP, the Secretary of State for Business, as part of a regional fact-finding tour.

Ford Bridgend is where Ford's 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine is manufactured. The introduction of the engine has meant the plant has expanded its workforce to over 2000.

Ford Bridgend also benefitted from part of Ford's plan to invest £1.5 billion into research, development and manufacture of low CO2 technology. This investment was supported by the UK Government's £360 million backing of a £450 million loan to Ford from the European Investment Bank.

Vince Cable was joined by Mrs Cheryl Gillan MP and Secretary of State for Wales. Vince Cable said: "We are fortunate to have such a globally renowned manufacturer here in South Wales. A third of all Ford engines sold internationally are manufactured at Ford's plants in Bridgend and Dagenham."

He continued: "Ford is investing millions in the UK, safeguarding and creating jobs. They demonstrate why manufacturing will play a key role in encouraging more sustainable growth not stimulated by property bubbles or over-reliant on the financial services."

Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell, said: "The UK Government has greatly assisted in delivering Ford's commitment to invest £1.5 billion in new, affordable, volume-produced low CO2 technologies and we are delighted that Mr Cable was able to visit Ford Bridgend."