MADRID, Spain (AP) — Ford Motor Co. says it will idle its plant in Valencia, Spain for 21 days because of slumping demand in a move that will affect over 5,000 workers.

Ford spokesman Jose Perez says the vehicle factory in Almussafes will close for nine days in January. Starting in February it will shut down one day every two weeks, for a total of 12 more days.

Perez told AP by telephone yesterday another facility that makes engines will close for seven days, idling up to 450 workers. The measures stem from slack demand in European markets.