PRODUCTION of a new petrol engine from Ford has now started at the company's Bridgend Engine Plant in South Wales.

The three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, which debuts in the Fiesta ST and all-new Focus, is built on a state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing facility following of an investment of £100 million, including support from the Welsh Government.

Quality of the new engine is assured through multi-stage testing and process monitoring at all points during assembly process.

Machining lines for the cylinder head and cylinder block feature the latest CNC technology and environmentally efficient cutting systems.

Welsh Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: "I'm delighted to see our Welsh Government investment supporting hundreds of high skilled jobs in south Wales.

"We are proud to have played a part in developing this world class manufacturing facility and look forward to continuing to work with the company and workforce to ensure a bright future for the plant at Bridgend, despite the upcoming challenges of Brexit."