Ford Motor Company Ltd
1967
Automotive Research and Development.
3,400 in Dunton Technical Centre.
Ford Dunton in Basildon is a global centre for the company's engine, transmission and commercial vehicle engineering and development. Engine engineering and development is carried out in conjunction with the nearby Dagenham Diesel Centre. It is responsible for developing the latest, highly-acclaimed, low-carbon Ford powertrains and the latest versions of the iconic Ford Transit.
The Dunton site includes all the aspects of vehicle and engine development including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Finance, IT, Sales and Marketing.
Recent notable achievements include:
UK Export Finance’s backing worth £600 million will help Ford Motor Company (UK) to expand its electric vehicle production line and deliver on its 2035 net zero plan. The loan will initially support a £125 million investment to fund phase two of its electric vehicle powertrain manufacturing hub in Halewood, Merseyside. The loan will also help protect Ford’s ability to deliver Engineering Services in Dunton, Basildon, Essex. A key feature of the UKEF EDG product is that it provides liquidity for Ford to use across their business as required. This liquidity is crucial for Dunton and will enable Ford’s flagship R&D facility to continue to do what it does best: developing the light commercial vehicle business, designing new powertrains and vehicles, piloting new assembly lines for electrified components, and training and upskilling engineers and apprentices for the transition from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles.
"We have very specific requirements for engineers, and while many of the skills are available locally, for some specialisations it is necessary to relocate people from around the UK. Essex's quality of life generally proves an attractive proposition for these people.
We recognise the value of the Thames Gateway investment. The Basildon base is important for Ford's manufacturing and distribution strategy and with its road links, nearby deep water jetty and train spur, Basildon has plenty of transport options for us to reach our other UK plants. This includes movement to and from our European and international sites via the River Thames, Channel Tunnel, motorways and rail links."
Graham Hoare - Ex-Chairman, Ford of Britain
