Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, and BMW are the top three car producers in Britain in 2026. However, at one time Ford had the title. Their plant at Dagenham was one of the most productive in the world. It was a key source of jobs in the area. It’s still operating today, although with a smaller workforce and a focus on producing engines. We want to have a closer look here, then if you want to invest and arrange guaranteed rent in Barking and Dagenham, you can trust us.

Opening

Plans to build a Ford plant in Dagenham go all the way back to the 1920s. The company needed to replace their facility in Trafford Park, West Manchester. The site in London was ideal because it would allow them to build a deep water port. As a result, it would be easier to ship in loads of coal and steel. The land was secured in 1924.

Work on building the plant began in 1929. However, because it was marshland, it was necessary to install over 20,000 concrete piles to support the new facility. Plus, the plan was to make it a self-sufficient operation, complete with its own steel foundry and power station. Ultimately, the facility did not open until 1931, with the first van built in October.

Economic depression in Britain meant it was a tough start for the Ford plant in the 1930s. However, things did pick up. Post WWII they became one of the leading automakers, taking the title of top producer from British Leyland (manufacturers of Morris, Jaguar, Rover and more) in the 1970s. Speak to us about investments and guaranteed rent in Barking and Dagenham.

Success

It’s fair to say that the Dagenham Ford plant was a big success. Over a million vehicles came off the production line, including cars, vans, and tractors. At its height there were over 40,000 people working here. Still producing engines to this day, almost 40 million have been built (nearly a million per year).

Downturn and future

Unfortunately, the UK increasingly became challenging for automotive manufacturing. By 2001 Ford was only producing the Fiesta at the plant. They made the decision not to retool, with production moving to Spain. Operations at the stamping plant came to an end in 2013. From the lofty heights of the 50s and 70s, there are now just 2,000 employees.

Notably, the former stamping plant was demolished starting in 2016. The 45-acre site was sold to Peabody for housing. Plans for a new 3,500 home neighbourhood and new park (Dagenham Green) got permission in 2022. Construction began that winter, and the first homes were ready early in 2026. Tall residential blocks have risen from the ground, topping out this spring.

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It’s fantastic that Dagenham has such a rich industrial history. Incredibly, after decades of decline, London also seems to be on something of a manufacturing renaissance. New factories are popping up in different areas. In fact, the government is pushing for more backing for key industries like defence and robotics manufacturing.

It will be interesting to see what happens here. It’ll certainly attract more people to London if it becomes a hub for modern industrial jobs. New neighbourhoods like Dagenham Green can be very attractive too, especially when they provide high quality homes, new public space, and amenities.

If you’re planning to invest in properties, we’d love to assist you. Crucially, we are the best provider of guaranteed rent in Barking and Dagenham and various other parts of London. We recommend it to investors because it ensures you don’t need to worry about voids or cash flow problems. So, contact us today to learn more.