Ford closes Geelong engine plant - 600 jobs gone by 2010

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by Donut King

Drama Queen much?

Seriously quit it with the FUD, the sky is not falling and it is not the end of the world. If the rumors turn into a real world announcement it will be the end of an era yes, but if you honestly think that the I6 is capable of carrying Falcon into the future without substantial changes that Ford simply don't have the budget for, you are dreaming. It's done well for a 40 year old design, but technology has come a long way since then.

This whole ordeal sounds much like what the doomsdayers were saying when it was discovered the tickford wings were not to continue and look how accurate they were.

The 1920 Indian Scout is a bit outdated to. If it can hold a land speed record then I think the 40 year old I6 has still got life in her.

[King Nothing]

Go ahead DK, I'm sure everyone wants to know some facts. Another news article saying the it has been confirmed to the government

http://www.theage.com.au/news/busine...559837504.html

Ford workers 'shattered'

Shattered Ford workers are reeling after the federal government today said they would lose their jobs at the company's Geelong engine plant.

Confirmation of the closure came as Victorian premier Steve Bracks and Prime Minister John Howard vowed to help affected workers find new jobs.

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) vehicle division federal secretary Ian Jones said the workers felt cheated as moves were underway to cater for Ford employees put out of work.

Mr Jones said the state and federal governments would fund a $24 million regional development package, aimed to help the 600 workers secure suitable employment.

A 'disaster' for Geelong

"It's a disaster (on) a huge scale for families in Geelong,'' Mr Jones said.

"They feel abandoned and they feel angry.''

Ford is yet to make an official announcement, but Indusrtry Minister Ian Macfarlane today said he had known for about a month and a half that the move was likely.

He received official confirmation a few days ago, he said. Ford has yet to officially announce the closure.

"In response to that, the Commonwealth and Victorian governments are today announcing an innovation and investment fund to cover the Geelong area,'' Mr Macfarlane told reporters.

Bracks pledges new jobs

Mr Bracks today has promised to help provide more jobs in Geelong.

And he is urging the federal government to reconsider its planned five per cent tariff reduction on imported cars, due in 2010, in an effort to help the domestic market.

Ahead of a Ford announcement this afternoon, both Mr Bracks and federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane have confirmed Ford's engine plant in Geelong will close in 2010, shedding 600 jobs.

Victoria will contribute $6 million to a fund to offer grants for projects in Geelong to create new jobs in the region.

The federal government will put in $15 million and Ford will contribute $3 million.

"Whilst of course we regret the decision that the Ford engine plant will be discontinuing in 2010, we will stand by Geelong, we'll stand by the workforce, we'll assist and support the workforce,'' Mr Bracks told reporters.

Ford's future 'solid'

Mr Bracks said despite today's announcement, Ford's future in Victoria was solid.

"The Ford operations in this state, in Victoria, are secure and safe for the future,'' he said.

"Already they're investing some $1.8 billion into the long-term production capacity of Ford, including a new research and development centre, including a next-generation Falcon, including commitments ongoing.''

The federal government will contribute $15 million to the fund, and the Victorian government $6 million, he said.

"As well as that Ford have agreed with the commonwealth to establish a $3 million community fund and that is to assist those people that will now face a very difficult situation as the plant is wound down in 2010 and Ford moves its next model Falcon to a V6 engine.''

Howard offers help

The federal government will help Ford's Geelong engine plant workers find new employment, Mr Howard has said.

But, he said, Ford's problems were not the result of government policies or the state of the economy.

"It's a consequence of marketing reality and these decisions are made by companies from time to time,'' Mr Howard told reporters in Adelaide.

"The good thing is the economy is strong and employment conditions are very good.

"Therefore, the prospects of people finding alternative jobs, if they need to, are much brighter now than they were say 10 or 15 years ago.''

Mr Howard said the government would follow the Ford situation closely and provide transitional help and some financial assistance where necessary.

But he rejected any suggestions the government had not adequately supported Australia's automotive manufacturing industry.

AAP

End of an era. RIP I6. Here's to better times past and hope for better times to come *raises glass*

[Donut King]

Ok for now, here is some points in my own words:

-2010 For the duratec V6 engine
- Ford are working to maximise redeployment opportunities but the decision does not directly impact other operations in Geelong or Campbellfield
- New engine to come from the US
- Feasibility of LOCAL PRODUCTION of the V6 being investigated
- Next step to look at ways to return campbellfield to 100% capacity

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

That is Ford's fault for giving their opposition a 2 year head start. THEY DIDN'T LEARN A GOD DAMN THING WHEN THE ELII FALCON WAS SLAUGHTERED BY THE VT COMMODORE!

Ford? : :togo: :thebirds:

FF

No worries Freak, can you snap your fingers and fix the situation? : Regardless of who made the mistakes in the past (were talking mistakes of up to what, 20 years ago AND as recent as 98s AU1 that set todays problems in motion?) Ford are stuck with at least a year lag behind Holden, which has been extended to 2 years thanks to the heavy investment needed for AU2 and BA! Polites and Gorman have done what they can after being hanballed one helluva of a mozza ball. What could you do right now that would fix the situation? NOTHING none us of could would fix the situation and 'Ford' the company, the board, the man in charge, are doing whatever they can.

Thanks for writing the Falcon off in every second post you make too, thats real constructive. The bloody car will live on, with a V6, and will form the basis of heaps of RWD cars around the world, and Aussie Joe Average will think "wow NOW the Falcon has a modern sophisticated engine like the Holdens and Toyotas, I might just buy one!"

[Donut King]

Now official - Continue discussion here http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=109199