40-millionth engine at Ford Dagenham

Following 50 years of engine production at its East London plant, Ford Dagenham has reached the milestone of 40 million engines. The plant, which has been making engines since 1931, now manufactures diesel engines for Ford’s small, medium, and large car ranges (they also feature prominently in its commercial vehicles). Over 50% of Ford’s global diesel engine demand is supplied by Dagenham. Dagenham-built engines have powered generations of vehicles, including the Escort, Cortina, Capri, Granada, and Transit models. Today, engines from Ford’s largest UK plant power three of the best-selling vehicles in Britain: the Fiesta, Focus and Transit.

Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, said: “Producing 40 million engines is a significant milestone for Ford’s biggest UK site. Ford Dagenham now produces our most fuel-efficient engine — the 1.6-litre TDCi unit — and exports to 12 countries around the world as part of our global ‘One Ford’ strategy. This site is helping to power the UK’s sustainable economic recovery.”

Production for Ford vehicles accounts for around 70% of Dagenham’s output, with the balance comprising over 270,000 engines per year for Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Volvo.

The output of petrol engines from Ford Bridgend and diesel engines from Ford Dagenham is sufficient to power one third of the Ford vehicles produced globally. These two plants have a combined annual production capacity of two million engines, of which over 85% are exported.