VAN brokers specialising in the sports-oriented Ford MS-RT models will welcome the announcement that the Ford Pro commercial vehicles conversion partner will expand with a new facility within the Ford Dagenham site.
MS-RT is establishing a £4 million facility within Ford Dagenham, which is intended to strengthen what is already a close relationship. With easier access to Ford’s technical expertise at Dagenham and the nearby Ford Britain Dunton Campus, MS-RT will be able to develop current and future conversions of Ford models faster.
The new facility will create more than 50 jobs when it goes online in 2022, increasing to over 120 new roles when fully operational. MS-RTs existing Pontypool facility will continue with no loss of jobs.
Existing models include the Ford Transit Connect MS-RT, Ford Transit Custom MS-RT, and Ford Ranger MS-RT. The company – a partner of M-Sport, which runs Ford’s World Rally Championship factory effort – has been a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) since 2020, meeting rigorous standards, and qualifying for full warranty support.
Paul Baynes, manager, marketing and sales – Ford Pro Vehicle Solutions, Ford of Europe, said:
This latest Ford and MS-RT cooperation supports Ford’s vision of expanding business opportunities at Ford Dagenham in addition to continuing to produce advanced technology diesel engines, and builds on our plan to grow our market presence through strategic relationships with key vehicle converters.
Edward Davies, MS-RT’s founder and director, added:
“We are delighted to be building on our partnership with Ford by opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Ford Dagenham. The new site will drive innovation, expand our manufacturing capability, and further strengthen our collaboration with Ford.”