Flanders

The government of Flanders has agreed to release EUR 58 million to support Ford’s investment and training programs in Genk, Flanders. Over the next three years, the carmaker plans to spend EUR 960 million on its facilities in Flanders (Belgium).
The company issued a satisfied response: “This confirms what we agreed upon at the end of 2010 when discussing the future of the plant,” says Jo Declercq, spokesman of the Ford site in Genk. “We can now progressively define every step of our expansive investment program. More details become known with each passing day so, in the end, we hope to be entitled to the full amount that’s being reserved right now.”

The investment covers both the production plant in Genk and the testing facility in Lommel, both in Flanders. Ford’s plans should also ensure the sustainable character of the facility in Genk. The final pledge of government support depends on the fulfillment of past agreements. Herein, a production target of 225.000 cars per year is envisaged with current levels of employment guaranteed. Taking into account an extensive network of suppliers, the carmaker employs around 10,000 people nationwide and accounts for 60% of Belgium’s car production.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures and distributes automobiles across six continents. Worldwide, the company employs about 166,000 people in more than 70 plants. The site in Genk is one of the most advanced. It houses the brands’ popular models S-Max, Mondeo and Galaxy.