Nissan (
www.nissan.co.uk) is to invest £37 million in its Sunderland production plant. This will include the installation of another extra-large press line to support the production of the best-selling Qashqai and Juke cross-overs, the Nissan Note and the all-electric Nissan Leaf (and to make panels for two forthcoming compact Infiniti models — the Q30 and the QX30).
Senior vice-president Colin Lawther said: “Nearly three million customers have bought a Nissan cross-over that was manufactured here in the UK, and the 33,000 Nissan Leafs made here have helped it to become the best-selling electric vehicle in history.
"This fresh investment is a clear signal of our intent to continue leading in these key areas for the Nissan brand, with our cross-over and electric-vehicle success founded on the exceptional quality and delivery standards achieved by our workforce here in Sunderland.”
Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council said: “This is tremendous news. Nissan Sunderland’s record-breaking productivity and continued growth are key to the export strength of the UK car industry. The plant extension and new equipment at the Sunderland plant — ahead of the Infiniti production — underpin the company’s leading position and reinforce Sunderland’s aim to be the automotive hub of the UK.”
Due to begin operating in 2017, the new press line requires an extension that will take the total built-up space on site to over 362,000m², the equivalent of more than 50 football pitches. Nissan is currently looking to take on 300 more people to support the Infiniti brands.