WORKERS at Southampton’s closing Ford factory will mark its final day with a barbecue.

Employees will be thanked for their efforts over the years at the low-key event on Friday.

John Oldham, plant manager, said it had been a privilege to work with his group of staff at the factory in Swaythling.

There was anguish nine months ago as Ford announced it would be closing the historic Transit van plant after 60 years of operating in the city.

But employees have since managed to find other jobs, take early retirement, or stay with Ford to work at its new refurbishment and distribution centres in Southampton.

Much of that has been down to training and education workshops, and job opportunity fairs held at the factory since the announcement was made.

Mr Oldham said: “We will have a low-key event to be respectful to the employees here.

“It’s saying thank you for everything they have done, and for the history of the plant.

“It is in recognition for the professionalism and pride they have operated in during the duration for the plant.”

The final Transit van produced in the plant is on the production line and is expected to be finished early next week.

Environmental and legal studies are being carried out on the building to determine what it can be used for in the future, while decommissioning of the plant will begin in early August.

Mr Oldham, who has been at the plant for 20 months, added: “It has been an absolutely privilege to work with this group of people.

“I wish them and their families all the very best for the future because they deserve it.

“It has been the most enjoyable experience, apart from the last nine months. It has been an absolute joy.

“I cannot put into words what I feel for the passion and pride of this plant.”

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