Report: Ford Closing Plant in Belgium by End of 2014 ( International ) - 4,500 Jobs Lost

A union leader said today Ford Motor Co. has decided to close one of its main factories in eastern Belgium by the end of 2014 in a move that will result in 4,500 direct job losses and 5,000 more among subcontractors.

Exactly half a century after construction on the Genk plant started, local Ford management read a letter announcing the move at a specially called council , Christian Democrat union representative Johan Lamers said.

`'This is taking us by surprise and is an extremely bitter pill,” Lamers told the Associated Press.

Ford Motor Co. has been under pressure in Europe due to the region's dwindling demand for its cars and reflects the overall slide of car sales in Europe.

 Ford reportedly closing plant in Belgium, leaving 4,500 jobless | Richmond Times-Dispatch