When did Ford start in the UK?
Ford began its UK operations in 1909, and the first UK factory opened in 1911 at Trafford Park, Manchester, to build the Model T for the British market.
This article traces how Ford arrived in Britain, when it established its first manufacturing site, and how the company expanded its footprint over the 20th century to become a major player in the UK automotive industry.
Key milestones in Ford's UK presence
The following timeline highlights the major moments when Ford established and expanded its footprint in Britain.
- 1909 — Ford Motor Company Limited established in Britain, marking formal corporate presence in the United Kingdom.
- 1911 — Trafford Park, Manchester factory opened to manufacture the Model T for the UK market, marking Ford's first purpose-built plant outside the United States.
- 1931 — Dagenham plant opened, expanding car manufacturing capacity and cementing Ford's long-term production base in Britain.
These milestones laid the groundwork for Ford's enduring manufacturing footprint in Britain, enabling growth in product lines, employment, and regional supply chains that continued through the mid- to late 20th century and into the present day.
Summary
Ford's UK journey began with incorporation in 1909, followed by the Manchester Trafford Park plant opening in 1911 and the later expansion at Dagenham in 1931. Together, these events established Ford as a cornerstone of Britain's automotive industry and set the stage for decades of growth and innovation.
Was Henry Ford British or American?
American
Henry Ford (born July 30, 1863, Wayne county, Michigan, U.S.—died April 7, 1947, Dearborn, Michigan) was an American industrialist who revolutionized factory production with his assembly-line methods.
When did Ford come to the UK?
In 1909 the Ford Motor Company (England) Limited was established under the chairmanship of Percival Perry, opening an office at 55 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, in 1909.
Is Ford American or British?
Ford Motor Company is an American automotive corporation that was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford and 11 associate investors.
When did Ford stop making cars in the UK?
In March 2008 Ford sold its luxury UK car brands Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors. Ford ceased all UK vehicle production in 2013, when its Transit van factory in Southampton closed.
