We’ve been covering MS-RT’s modified Transits and Rangers for years here on Parkers, and seen the company grow from niche outsiders to Ford-endorsed specialist with a place in the official pricelist. Now, the partnership is taking a further step, as MS-RT is to establish a new manufacturing facility at Ford Dagenham.
Dagenham – yes, the one in Essex – is the home of Ford in the UK. What’s more the nearby Ford Britain Dunton Campus is the European base for all Ford commercial vehicle activities, giving MS-RT ‘easier access to Ford technical expertise’.
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So, this is a bit of a big deal?
We reckon so. And not just because MS-RT is spending £4 million setting-up the new facility – which will based in a building at Dagenham that was used for the assembly of ventilations in 2020.
The new MS-RT factory will create 50 new jobs for the initial opening in 2022, with 120 expected to be employed there when the assembly plant reaches full capacity.
As well as keeping up with demand for MS-RT’s visually enhanced Transit Custom MS-RT, Transit Connect MS-RT and Ranger MS-RT models, the plan will help regenerate one of the UK’s most-deprived areas.
Does this mean the MS-RT factory in Wales in closing?
Nope, the original MS-RT site, located in Pontypool, South Wales, will continue operating with no loss of jobs.
This really is about keeping up with demand – MS-RT vans and pickups are now available to order not just from Transit Centres in the UK but also Belgium, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway and Romania.
Other markets are set to follow.
Why is Ford so interested in this?
Marketing and sales manager for Ford Pro Vehicle Solutions, Ford of Europe, Paul Baynes explained: ‘This latest Ford and MS-RT cooperation supports Ford’s vision of expanding business opportunities at Ford Dagenham in addition to continuing to produce advanced technology diesel engines, and builds on our plan to grow our market presence through strategic relationships with key vehicle converters.’
If you’ve seen an MS-RT Transit Custom, you know exactly what he means about market presence.
MS-RT must be pretty pleased?
MS-RT Founder and director, Edward Davies, commented: ‘We are delighted to be building on our partnership with Ford by opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Ford Dagenham.’
MS-RT has been a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) since 2020 – which means it meets all Ford’s standards for manufacturing, quality control and warranty support.
Also read:
>> Our MS-RT Transit Custom review
