Ford Australia to shut Broadmeadows car factory, Geelong engine plant Struggling car-maker Ford is set to make an announcement about its plants this morning. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander Source: HWT Image Library FORD Australia is set to drop a bombshell on the car industry this morning, announcing the closure of its Broadmeadows car factory and Geelong engine plant in October 2016, a move that will cost 1500 people their jobs. The struggling car-maker has sent out a media alert about an impending announcement later this morning, believed to be at 10.45am. Information given to Ford factory workers, who were told the news in the past hour, suggests that Ford's manufacturing operations will shut down in October 2016. The decision is likely to lead to the loss of 1500 jobs; about 750 at the Geelong engine plant and 750 at the Broadmeadows car assembly line. Ford will however keep the 1100 jobs in design and engineering, based at the Broadmeadows site, although those staff will now work solely on Ford's foreign vehicles. The move means Ford will not go ahead with the updated versions of the new Falcon Sedan and Territory SUV next year as planned. Ford was due to release its financial results today but News Limited has been told the media conference is about "more than that." Confidential sources say that Ford Australia will become an import-only brand. It is unclear when the factories will close but Ford was due to introduce a facelifted Falcon and Territory next year. Journalists at the launch of the new Holden Commodore in Canberra were sent secret text messages by Ford Australia staff in the early hours of this morning, before they were about to drive the new model on public roads for the first time. Ford claims the timing is a coincidence. Ford Falcon sales have fallen to their lowest since the Broadmeadows factory opened in 1960, and Ford's overall sales in Australia last year were lower than they were 20 years ago. Ford Australia is refusing to take calls from media until the announcement. News Limited will update the story as more information comes to hand. The big three car companies employ 17,000 people directly in Australia, while they have 55,000 employees when suppliers are included. In Victoria, the car industry employs about 25,000 people. Holden, Ford and Toyota have claimed they spend $2.25 billion in Victoria every year buying parts from local suppliers. Ford is the third largest auto-manufacturer in Australia and employs 3000 people. The Broadmeadows plant in Melbourne's north manufactures the Falcon sedan and utility as well as the Ford Territory SUV. Acting Industry Minister Craig Emerson promised the government would help sacked Ford workers find new jobs as Treasurer Wayne Swan said manufacturing was under pressure from the high dollar. "The Government is aware of reports that Ford is making a significant announcement about the future of its manufacturing operations," Dr Emerson said. In these situations our top priority is ensuring workers and their families in regional communities are looked after. The Government will have more to say when Ford has made its announcement. But I can assure you making sure the company's workforce and regional communities are looked after will be our top priority. Dr Emerson has called a press conference in Sydney for 11.30am to give a detailed response. Mr Swan said economy was going through "an important transition" and the high dollar was causing challenges for manufacturing. "The government will do everything within our power to support workers and local communities that may be affected by a decision taken by Ford," Mr Swan said. Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said that while he was waiting to hear the detail of Ford's announcement, it appeared the news would be bad for workers and their families. "The news that Ford is closing at Geelong and Broadmeadows is absolutely devastating for those communities and the Victorian economy," he said. Thousands of workers at those plants and workers in related industries will not only lose their jobs but face ongoing unemployment - unless the Napthine Government produces a jobs plan. with Phillip Hudson and Matthew Johnston