After 57 years, Ford is shutting down its car factory in Saarlouis, Germany.
This closure not only halts the production of iconic models like the Escort, Capri, Fiesta, and Focus but also leaves thousands of workers facing an uncertain future.
The Saarlouis factory, which has been a cornerstone of Ford’s operations since 1968, will stop producing cars by November. The final vehicle to roll off the line will be the Ford Focus, marking the end of an era for the plant, which currently produces about 600 cars daily.
Ford’s attempts to find a buyer for the factory last year were unsuccessful, leaving the company no choice but to close the facility.
This decision is part of Ford’s strategy to shift its focus toward electric vehicles, SUVs, and larger pickup trucks made primarily in the U.S. As a result, other Ford plants in Europe, including those in Spain and the UK, are also seeing cuts.
While Ford exits Saarlouis, the factory won’t remain empty for long.
Pharmaceutical company Vetter is set to take over the site. Vetter plans to create up to 2,000 jobs, giving many former Ford workers a chance to transition into a new industry.
“We aim to provide new career opportunities in a future-focused industry,” said Udo J., as reported by Automobilwoche and Boosted.
However, the new jobs won’t cover all of the 4,000 positions lost at Ford, leaving many workers in limbo.
The closure hits Saarland, a region with deep ties to the automotive industry, especially hard. With thousands of families depending on jobs linked to Ford, the loss creates widespread uncertainty.
For decades, the Saarlouis factory played a key role in Ford’s success, producing some of the brand’s most popular models. It started with the Escort, moved on to the Capri and Fiesta, and more recently, the Focus.
But as Ford pivots to electric vehicles, the production of the new electric Capri will take place in Cologne, leaving Saarlouis behind.
