FORD, which has recently halted its production in Blanquefort near Bordeaux, is preparing for the manufacture of new-generation gearboxes, starting in 2013.

The group has made the decision to produce these transmissions destined for Europe in Blanquefort rather than importing them from Asia.

125 million euros will be invested in new production facilities. Furthermore, a unit making double-clutch systems will sell its output to Getrag, the neighbouring plant specialized in manual gearboxes, jointly-owned by Ford and German industrial company Getrag.

At present, housings for engines and lift trucks are manufactured at the plants. All these activities combined will represent around 700 jobs.

(Source: LES ECHOS - 25/11/2011)