Ford Dagenham's Third Turbine Site Announced

DAGENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – January 21, 2010: Ford Dagenham's third wind turbine will be installed alongside the Thames to the eastern edge of the manufacturing site.

The three-bladed turbine, measuring 120 metres tall, is to be assembled on Ford's 475-acre estate later this year.

Ford's existing two turbines, standing either side of the Dagenham estate, power Dagenham Diesel Centre, where production volumes of low-carbon engines are rising. Ford's 1.4-litre diesel engine, and the 1.6 powering frugal Ford ECOnetics, are assembled at Dagenham Diesel Centre. Output on the plant's 1.4/1.6 line rose by over three per cent last year over 2008.

The third turbine was ordered to maintain the plant's green energy supply. Planning permission was granted for the new turbine last year.

Ford's existing turbines produce 6.7 million units (kilowatt hours) of clean electricity each year – avoiding over 6,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually since their installation in 2004. The third turbine is expected to increase clean electricity by 70 per cent to 11.5 million units, the equivalent to powering a further 1,400 homes.

Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, said: "Ford Dagenham is at the forefront of sustainable business – in both its manufacturing technology and its products. Low emission cars are increasingly in demand, with Ford's ECOnetic range leading on performance and production."

Dale Vince, managing director of wind turbine partner Ecotricity, said: "When household names like Ford use windmills for their everyday operations, it's a sign that wind energy has come of age. It's special to see demand for cleaner engines grow – and built by the power of wind."