bloodymonday
Ford Swansea Plant 1994
Ford Triggers supply boom
An announcement by the Ford Motor Company to reduce its number of worldwide suppliers by 90 percent has been welcomed by a South Wales union boss. Andy Richards, Transport and General Workers Union district officer who is responsible for members at Ford in Wales, says the decision could mean more business for local companies.
He said: "The Swansea factory has won a contract to supply Ford's plant in Kansas and the reson for this is because we can do it economically. In Wales we have lower unit costs, and can actually produce things more cheaply. We are hoping that this decision will win back to Wales some of the work currently carried out by component manufacturers in Europe. Ford corporate affairs manager, Don Hume, said the car manufacturer would be reviewing its suppliers on a global basis. "It will affect everyone from people who supply our stationery to those who supply major engine parts, but for those who meet Ford's high quality standards it could mean more business". Part of the changes includes a new just-in-time policy which involves relocating suppliers next to Ford plants to save on transport costs etc. Mr Richards said: "Our Union has been working closely with the company and people like the WDA, who are supporting this initiative and looking at ways of helping firms set up factories close to the main Ford plants".
Ford Swansea Plant 1994
Ford Triggers supply boom
An announcement by the Ford Motor Company to reduce its number of worldwide suppliers by 90 percent has been welcomed by a South Wales union boss. Andy Richards, Transport and General Workers Union district officer who is responsible for members at Ford in Wales, says the decision could mean more business for local companies.
He said: "The Swansea factory has won a contract to supply Ford's plant in Kansas and the reson for this is because we can do it economically. In Wales we have lower unit costs, and can actually produce things more cheaply. We are hoping that this decision will win back to Wales some of the work currently carried out by component manufacturers in Europe. Ford corporate affairs manager, Don Hume, said the car manufacturer would be reviewing its suppliers on a global basis. "It will affect everyone from people who supply our stationery to those who supply major engine parts, but for those who meet Ford's high quality standards it could mean more business". Part of the changes includes a new just-in-time policy which involves relocating suppliers next to Ford plants to save on transport costs etc. Mr Richards said: "Our Union has been working closely with the company and people like the WDA, who are supporting this initiative and looking at ways of helping firms set up factories close to the main Ford plants".