Ford Plans Further Job Cuts at Valencia Plant Amid Production Shift

Ford has announced plans to cut up to 1,600 jobs at its assembly plant in Valencia, Spain. This follows a previous reduction of 1,100 staff last year as the company continues to restructure its regional operations.

Details of the Reduction Plan:

The U.S. carmaker employs approximately 4,700 workers at the Valencia factory. The latest job cuts will include the permanent elimination of 600 positions. Additionally, Ford is open to negotiating the possible rehiring of 1,000 workers, aiming to boost output at the plant starting in 2027.

“A temporary solution could be negotiated for the other 1,000 to bridge the time until production of the new vehicle starts,” a Ford spokesperson in Spain said.

Ford recently announced that it will begin producing a new hybrid passenger car at the Almussafes plant in the Valencia region in 2027, targeting the European market and beyond. According to Spain’s Industry Ministry, the company aims to manufacture 300,000 units of this new hybrid vehicle annually.

Current Production at Valencia Plant:

Currently, the Valencia plant assembles the Kuga compact sports utility vehicle, following the discontinuation of other models in recent years. This shift in production focus is part of Ford’s broader strategy to streamline its model lineup and concentrate on high-demand vehicles.

This marks the second round of job cuts at the Valencia factory in two years. In 2023, Ford announced a significant staff reduction as part of its efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and enhance operational efficiency.

Implications for the Workforce:

The ongoing job reductions highlight the challenges faced by Ford as it navigates shifts in consumer demand and the transition to new vehicle technologies.

While the company has committed to expanding production of a new hybrid model in the future, the current workforce at the Valencia plant will face significant changes in the interim.

The negotiations with unions and potential temporary solutions will be crucial in managing the impact on the affected employees.