Member Article

North East automotive components outfit grow manufacturing

A North East automotive component manufacturer has invested £1m in a new factory, creating 15 jobs.

Ford Component Manufacturing Limited, which employs 160, will move production of its high-volume parts from Hebburn to New York Industrial Estate in North Tyneside.

The plant will produce an estimated 2 million parts per week, and will mainly supply Freudenberg Technical Products, who have premises nearby.

Managing director Mark Podmore said: “Due to continued business success, Ford requires extra production capability.

“From here we will be able to expand our operations and strengthen our already close links with Freudenberg, a valued client.

“I believe moving high-volume work from Hebburn will make Ford more versatile and allow us to achieve our full potential. I am very much looking forward to this new chapter in our history.”

The new plant will incorporate a phosphate treatment line where precision pressed parts are given a final chemical finish and seal. The site also has its own water treatment facility to ensure any liquid by-products are dealt with safely and in an environmentally-friendly way.

Dr Jan Kuiken, FTP lead center manager, said: “We are looking forward to Ford Components moving close to our premises.

“It is a perfect opportunity with our long term sub-contractor being literally next door. This accelerates and simplifies our supply chain and perfectly matches with our continuous improvement principles.”

Elected Mayor for North Tyneside Linda Arkley expressed her delight that Ford Component Manufacturing invested in the borough.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .