As Stellantis boosts its electric van output, the Ellesmere Port plant welcomes new Plant Director Fernando Andreu, who will oversee production of medium-sized battery electric vans alongside the site’s existing small van assembly line.
Stellantis has announced a leadership shake-up at its Ellesmere Port factory, appointing Fernando Andreu as Plant Director to guide the facility through its next phase of electric vehicle production. Andreu’s appointment marks a strategic move as the company ramps up efforts to transform Ellesmere Port into a fully electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) hub.
In his expanded role, Andreu will oversee the introduction of Stellantis’ medium battery electric vans – such as the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric and Peugeot E-Expert – to the Ellesmere Port line. These will complement the small electric van production (including the Vauxhall Combo Electric and Fiat E-Doblò) already underway since September 2023.
“The introduction of medium-sized battery electric LCVs will further strengthen our position as the UK’s first and only EV-dedicated volume manufacturing plant” – Fernando Andreu, Stellantis
This expansion is backed by a £50m investment and builds on the earlier £100m outlay that turned Ellesmere Port into the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing site. Stellantis says the factory’s evolution underscores its commitment to sustainable, electrified transport solutions in the UK.
“I look forward to continuing the great work already done by Diane and expanding electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port,” said Andreu. “The introduction of medium-sized battery electric LCVs will further strengthen our position as the UK’s first and only EV-dedicated volume manufacturing plant.” He added that improving plant efficiency is especially vital “in a context where UK demand for BEV vehicles still needs to be boosted.”
Andreu brings nearly three decades of automotive experience, starting as a junior engineer with Opel in 1996. His leadership track record includes directing operations at Eisenach in Germany and leading strategic manufacturing initiatives across Stellantis’ global operations. Since June 2024, he has also served as Plant Director at the Luton site, a role he will retain alongside his new responsibilities.
Diane Miller, who successfully led Ellesmere Port through its initial EV transition, will now oversee Stellantis’ new UK Parts Distribution Centre following the retirement of industry veteran Jamie Craig. Miller’s leadership during the plant’s shift to EVs earned her the 2024 Autocar Great Women Award for manufacturing.
Stellantis says its dual-track investment in vehicle production and parts logistics is positioning Ellesmere Port as an important node in the UK’s electric vehicle ecosystem. With new leadership and expanded manufacturing scope, the company is pushing ahead in its drive toward an electrified future.
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