While there are currently some unanswered questions about its future, Ford's Bridgend Engine Plant (BEP) in Wales has built its 20 millionth engine, 37 years after the first was made in September 1979.

Linda Cash, vice president of manufacturing, Ford of Europe, joined Bridgend plant manager, Ian Pearson, in marking the achievement saying: "Bridgend has a proud record of high-quality engine production and I'm delighted to celebrate this significant milestone with the team that builds them.

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"Today the plant builds a range of high-tech EcoBoost products, and we continue to invest in Bridgend, with the plant confirmed to build the next generation of fuel-efficient petrol engines."

Ford Bridgend currently supplies petrol engines, including EcoBoost products which provide ultra-low emissions, excellent fuel economy, refinement and performance, for a range of Ford vehicles. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost is available in the Focus, Kuga, Mondeo, and S-Max models. The Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, also built in Bridgend. The plant also supplies six and eight-cylinder engines to Jaguar Land Rover.

A new family of technologically-advanced, fuel-efficient petrol engines has been confirmed to be built in Bridgend. With an initial investment of GBP100m, production is planned to start in late 2018.

Ford recently announced it would axe GBP81m (US$107m) from that programme's initial budget of GBP181m for engine development at the Bridgend plant but stressed this would not involve job losses.

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Bridgend has seen around GBP1.8bn of investment since it opened in 1980. Total production is currently 3,400 engines a day, or one every 24 seconds off the busiest line.

The first engine produced in Bridgend was a CVH petrol engine for the third generation Ford Escort.

The Welsh government supports the plant with an annual grant for training of GBP50,000.

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