Ford has appointed Jeff Jones as the head of the new joint venture that will be established at its Almussafes, Valencia plant. This joint venture, agreed with the Chinese company Geely, will begin its operations in the first half of 2027. Jones will assume immediate leadership of the project, overseeing all key aspects to close the transaction. His appointment responds to an agreement announced in July between the two companies to create a manufacturing plant in Europe. The alliance seeks to optimize production and reduce costs in the Valencian factory.
Jones has more than three decades of experience at Ford, developed in the United States, Germany, Mexico and China. His career includes positions in engineering, finance, strategy and purchasing. He currently holds the position of global director of purchasing for digital technology and electrified systems. Educated at the University of Michigan and with an MBA from Harvard Business School, his profile combines technical experience and business management. Jim Baumbick, president of Ford Europe, highlighted that Jones is the ideal figure to lead this ambitious project.
The joint venture aims to manufacture five models at the Almussafes plant, including three new ones that will be launched at the end of 2028. These vehicles will be of multiple energies and of high quality. The production of the Ford Kuga will continue in parallel throughout the entire process. The alliance will allow to maximize the factory’s capacity and reduce the unit cost per vehicle. In addition, it is expected that the project will strengthen the local economy of the Valencian Community. The exact increase in staff is still unknown, although a significant increase is expected.
Once the immigration procedures are completed, Jones will move to Valencia to manage the project from the ground. Daniel Ruiz will continue to lead the industrial operations at the Almussafes plant. The start of the new assembly lines is scheduled for 2028, after regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The alliance between Ford and Geely represents a milestone in the history of the Valencian factory, which has undergone multiple transformations in recent years. This new chapter seeks to consolidate the plant’s position as a key center for European manufacturing.