FORD is set to cut 300 workers from its North Geelong and Broadmeadows plants from June, along with 13 down days between now and then, hitting hard again at the region’s manufacturing base and economy.
The car-maker — which last week announced record profits, sales, revenue and , margins across its Asia Pacific, North America, South America and African operations – is pushing ahead faster than expected with plans to cease its Australian manufacturing operations by the end of 2016.
Today’s shock announcement contrasts also joint plans by Ford and Alcoa in the US to make more new all-aluminium cars on the back of the latest Ford F-150 truck, the world’s largest selling truck, released late last month.
Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons immediately called on Ford to stick to its original plan to keep making cars at Geelong until 2016.
He said he would also approach Ford’s head of global operations seeking detail on Ford’s future plans including their intentions for the Geelong site when manufacturing operations ultimately do cease.
“If necessary I will fly to Ford’s head office to take this conversation to them,” he said.
“I am very concerned about the news from Ford and my sympathy goes to the employees involved and their families.
“Ford has been a part of Geelong for much of our modern history and it is sad to see the company’s local presence diminish in such a short space of time.
“The Ford site could be a major opportunity for Geelong – we need to know the company’s plans so we can make strategic decisions now that would enable us to capitalise on this opportunity.”.
Cr Lyons planned to raise Ford’s latest move in Canberra next week while City Hall CEO Stephen Griffin will represent Geelong at an auto industry summit with the Premier Denis Napthine next week.
“At both state and federal parliament level we will advocate for appropriate support to Geelong workers, and our economy generally, to assist in the transition away from local vehicle manufacturing,” he said.
Cr Lyons said the announcement by Ford gave greater urgency to Geelong’s bid to secure the Australian Defence Force contract to build the army’s new military vehicle – the Land 400.
