Ford Motor Co. announced that it will invest £230mln in upgrading its gearbox factory on Merseyside to make parts for electric vehicles (EVs) in a move that will safeguard 500 jobs.
From 2024, the plant in Halewood, Knowsley will produce 250,000 electric power units per year, Ford said.
The automaker said the UK government is supporting its investment through the Automotive Transformation Fund. The Guardian reported that Ford will receive government support worth about £30mln.
Ford announced in February this year that all its cars sold in Europe will be electric by 2030. Meanwhile, the UK government plans to stop the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
Commenting on the investment, Stuart Rowley, Ford of Europe president, said: "It strengthens further our ability to deliver 100% of Ford passenger vehicles in Europe being all-electric and two-thirds of our commercial vehicle sales being all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.”
The Unite union welcomed the investment.
Kevin Pearson, Unite's representative for Halewood, said: "The decision recognises the experience, commitment and competitiveness of our world class workforce and is a great source of pride for all of us working at Halewood Transmission Plant and for the wider community."