Government and industry react to Bridgend investment from Ineos

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom commented: “Ineos’s investment in Bridgend is a vote of confidence in the area’s highly skilled and talented workforce, and in the strength of our automotive industry.

“It is also further evidence that the UK is the best place to develop the latest automotive technologies. That is why the UK Government is investing nearly £1.5 billion through our modern Industrial Strategy to ensure our world-leading status is maintained.”

Ineos received UK Government funding as part of a competition to research and develop technologies that accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles. The UK Government is also working with the company to provide further support towards the outcomes of that work.

Bridgend is already the focus of a joint taskforce established by the UK Government and Welsh Government to support the workers affected by the proposed closure of the Ford plant, along with developing the long term potential of the site and securing a resilient future for the supply chains involved.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns added: “Ineos’ investment will provide a welcome boost to our automotive sector and to this part of Wales, creating important jobs which will contribute to a strengthened economy. It is also a clear demonstration of confidence in the UK economy.

“We’ve been working closely with the company to bring this investment to Wales and are supporting the industry via our Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal, setting out our vision of how government and industry can work together to solve some of the greatest challenges affecting this sector.

“There have been some significant automotive investments to Wales over the last few years, including at Aston Martin in St Athan and together with the Welsh Government we will continue to provide incentives for firms like INEOS to make Wales their home.”

GMB, the union for auto-workers, has welcomed the decision. Jeff Beck, GMB Wales and South West regional organiser, said: "It's extremely welcome news that Ineos has chosen Bridgend as the site for the production of its new 4X4. As a Union we've long argued that the government needs to intervene to protect and promote manufacturing in the UK, and the results are clear for everyone to see.

"Car making is in the DNA of Bridgend, and with the highly skilled workforce in Bridgend we're certain that Ineos will be more than pleased with the quality manufacturing once they get going.

"We look forward to hearing details over the coming week, and representing our members in any new venture."

When it comes to Brexit, Tom Grotty, corporate affairs director at Ineos said: “It was always an aspiration to build the car in the UK, but the numbers had to add up. We have built into our calculations the ability to manage through Brexit – it is not an issue and we are ignoring it.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Today's announcement from Ineos will deliver hundreds of new jobs in Bridgend and is a vote of confidence in UK expertise, making sure we keep our status as a pioneer in new vehicle technologies.

"Backing our automotive sector is a key priority for this Government, and we're working closely with industry to ensure it stays competitive and to put the UK at the forefront of the global drive to zero emissions."

Ian Price, CBI Wales director, said: “Today’s announcement from Ineos will give a real shot in the arm to Bridgend and the wider automotive sector in Wales.

“The recent news of Ford’s planned closure came as a real blow to the local economy so we’re hopeful that today can mark the start of a new era for Welsh manufacturing and give the highly skilled workforce in Bridgend greater security for the future.

“It’s also great to see the Welsh and UK governments working together to attract much-needed investment to this part of the country.”