BRENTWOOD, Essex, 18 December 2009 – Kieran Cahill has been appointed the new plant manager of Ford's Bridgend manufacturing facility following Graham Edwards' return to Ford Dagenham.
Swansea-born Kieran had been manufacturing manager at the South Wales engine plant since 2006. He now oversees Ford Bridgend's team of over 2,000 engine production specialists, principally producing small efficient petrol engines for Ford Fiesta and Focus models.
Kieran is continuing a family tradition as his father, Declan, served over 30 years with Ford before retiring as Bridgend's quality control manager.
Kieran, who joined Ford in 1989 as a sponsored graduate, said: "Bridgend has had a memorable 2009 producing our 15 millionth engine and managing a major increase in production, thanks to vehicle scrappage schemes introduced across Europe. I look forward to Bridgend leading the way in 2010 with the launch of our high-efficiency EcoBoost engine range."
Graham Edwards, Ford Bridgend plant manager since summer 2007, is moving to Dagenham to manage European transport operations. The 1,000-strong Ford transport team at the company's East London manufacturing base is part of Graham's UK-wide and continental operation responsible for shipping Ford vehicles and parts.
Graham, a former Dagenham manufacturing manager, joined Ford as a 16-year-old apprentice electrician. As new European transport operations manager, Graham replaces Chris Woodmore who has been appointed senior purchasing manager for Ford's global small car programme based in Cologne, Germany.
All three appointments are effective from 1 January 2010.