Ford on Tuesday signed an agreement with its Belgian unions to secure the future for the Genk assembly plant and Lommel proving ground facilities.
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The four-year agreement provides a solid basis for a viable future for Ford car production and vehicle development and validation in Belgium, the automaker said.
“At a time of considerable concern in the Belgian automotive industry, Ford’s commitment is a sign of the confidence we have in our employees, suppliers and the Flanders region. This is great news for Ford, Flanders and Belgium,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, speaking at the signing ceremony in Genk which was also attended by the Flemish minister-president, Kris Peeters.
“The agreement gives both Genk and Lommel stability in the years ahead, while also securing the further improvements in efficiency and productivity that are needed to maintain their global competitiveness. I would like to thank all of those who have helped to secure this agreement, including the Ford management team, our union colleagues, the local authorities, and the Flanders and federal governments.”
Genk will remain Ford’s lead plant for the manufacture of all of its CD market segment vehicles in Europe. This includes the continuing production of the flagship car model, the Mondeo, plus the S-Max multi-activity vehicle and the seven-seat Galaxy. All of Ford’s CD market segment models built at Genk have been freshened substantially this year.
The agreement also confirms that future CD market segment vehicles will be built at Genk; new models that will require additional investment, and which will continue to be built in Genk in the years ahead.
Ford also expects to maintain an installed capacity of 225,000 units per year in Genk, with the potential to grow beyond that figure, depending on market demand. In addition, there will be job security at Genk throughout the duration of the agreement.
Ford is also committing that its Lommel proving ground will continue as its primary vehicle proving ground in Europe, and that there will be further investment for Lommel’s infrastructure to help maintain its position among the leading testing facilities in the European automotive industry.
