All hands on deck for Ford workers

11.29.00am GMT Mon 1st Dec 2008

Sharon Bowles MEP

On Friday Sharon Bowles MEP met with the CEO and Chairman of Ford Europe, John Fleming, accompanied by Lib Dem MPs Chris Huhne and Sandra Gidley. The meeting followed Monday's announcement that Ford will be downsizing Southampton's Swaythling plant, and removing production of the Transit van to Turkey.

However Sharon was assured that Ford was committed to a long-term future in Southampton and would be making a multi-million pound investment in the Swaythling plant.

Following the meeting, Sharon said: "Having met with Mr Fleming and discussed the concerns about the future of the Southampton plant, I am impressed with the attention Ford has devoted to the workers whose livelihoods depend on the plant.

"Mr Fleming assured me that despite this week's very worrying news Ford is genuinely committed to continuing at Southampton.

"Of particular importance is whether there will be a positive outcome to proposals for loans to Europe's car industry from the European Investment Bank. I have discussed what assistance I can give to Southampton from the European end.

"It will be all hands on deck because we're all committed to a future for Southampton's Ford workers."