Ford Dagenham celebrates 80 years of production

Ford Cars At Dagenham

Vehicle manufacturer Ford is currently celebrating a number of company milestones in the UK, which could be of significant interest to classic car insurance policyholders across the country.

Ford of Britain's Dagenham branch is recognising 80 years of production at the largest facility in the UK, after taking 28 months to build before the Model AA truck rolled off the first production line on October 1st 1931.

The years have seen the facility transform into one of the country's main automotive centres following a period of 28 months building with the Edsel Ford digging the first turf in May 1929.

Today, the Dagenham Estate - which employs 4,500 people - is home to an engine plant, tool room, stamping plant a powertrain engineering team and a substantial transport operation, making it London's largest employer in the industrial sector.

During its 80-year reign as one of the top facilities in the country, nearly 11 million vehicles have been built at the 475-acre site, with more than 38 million engines also created.

The future of the facility looks bright, from its past creating ideal vehicles for classic car enthusiasts, Ford has committed to a £1.5 billion investment in more affordable low-carbon technologies over the next five years at its four engineering and manufacturing facilities in the UK.

Meanwhile, the US-brand has collected three used car awards from What Car? magazine in recognition of the company's popularity among UK motorists and the pre-owned vehicle market.

The publication stated the Ford Fiesta should be the ideal model for used small car buyers, while the 'buyer's bible' recommended the three-year-old five-door 1.25-litre Ford Fiesta Style+ for its outstanding features including an MOP3 stereo, air con, remote central locking and electric windows.

Mark Ovenden, managing director of Ford Britain, said: "The Ford Fiesta, Mondeo and S-MAX are winning over customers from the showroom to the forecourt through an unrivalled combination of quality and value." 

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