Ford Adds New Assembly Line For Ranger Raptor Engine at Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth
To support production of the diesel engine that will power the all-new Ranger Raptor, Ford Motor Company of South Africa has installed a new assembly line at its Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth. The assembly line was installed in a new 41,635-square-foot section of the plant, which also features two cold-test cells, a hot-test cell, and a dynamometer to conduct post-production testing to ensure quality.
“Our new engine assembly line represents Ford’s latest, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that guarantee the highest standards of workmanship, product quality and performance,” said John Cameron, Plant Manager of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant.
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Production on the new engine is expected to get underway in Q4 2018 with annual output expected to reach a maximum of 120,000 units. Volume is expected to ramp up slowly, with the initial months only seeing a single, 85-employee shift. Ultimately, the line will produce eight derivatives of the engine.
Ford is also beefing up assembly lines for the Duratorq TDCi diesel engine currently produced at Struandale. The objective is for the plant to become the hub for all engine component machining for the Duratorq TDCi engines used in the Ranger, Everest, and Transit. Capacity for cylinder head, block, and crankshaft machining will grow from 254,000 units to 280,000 units per year, and Duratorq TDCi diesel engine production will grow from 115,000 units to 130,000 units per year.
“Our upgrades for the Duratorq TDCi program adds incremental volumes, with 22 new four-cylinder engine derivatives to be exported to European markets, including for use in front-wheel drive Ford models,” said Jacques Brent, president of Ford Middle East and Africa. “This introduces three significant new customers for the Struandale Engine Plant, comprising Italy, Turkey, and Russia.”
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