Press Release: State aid: Commission endorses €51.9 million aid for Ford investment in Almussafes, Spain

The European Commission authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, €51.9 million of aid, which the Spanish authorities intend to grant to Ford España, part of the Ford Motor Company, for a radical transformation of the existing plant on Almussafes, in the Valencia region. The Commission's assessment found the measure to be compatible with the requirements of the regional Aid Guidelines 2007-2013. In particular, the Commission took the view that the project, involving eligible investments of some €490 million by Ford, will significantly contribute to the development of the region's economy without unduly distorting competition. The investment guarantees the continuity of activity at the Almussafes plant and will maintain some 5000 direct jobs at the plant.