Ford South Africa to lay off over 470 workers in car and engine plants

By Nqobile Dludla

Ford Motor’s South African unit plans to lay off more than 470 employees as it seeks to adjust production capacity to match current and future market demands, the South African Solidarity union said.

Ford has sent an official notice to the union and others, notifying them of its intention, Solidarity said in a statement.

The jobs affected are 391 operator positions in Silverton car assembly plant in Pretoria, 73 at Struandale engine plant in Gqeberha and 10 administrative roles, the union said.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa confirmed the layoffs, saying in a statement that it was making necessary adjustments to its manufacturing operations in both plants.

“These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to optimise production and respond to evolving market demands,” Ford added.

Economic pressures, international political uncertainties, and the government’s unfavourable policies are making the industry increasingly less competitive, Willie Venter, deputy general