Thousands of jobs in the UK automotive supply chain received a significant boost last week with the announcement by Britain’s second largest car manufacturer, Nissan, that it will build two of its next generation models in Sunderland. Nearly 30,000 supply chain jobs in the UK are currently supported by Nissan, among a wider 78,000 dependent on all British-based vehicle manufacturers.
The next generation Qashqai as well as the new X-Trail, currently manufacturing in Japan, will be made in Sunderland. The announcement provides certainty and confidence to invest for existing UK-based companies. It should also act as an incentive to companies not operating in the country already.
John Barnett, VP Manufacturing and Supply Chain for Calsonic Kansei, which supplies a variety of automotive components for car manufacturers worldwide, said, “We are a key supplier to Nissan in the UK and globally, with 1,400 staff in the North East alone, so the decision to build two new models in Sunderland is excellent news.”
Mike Matthews, Managing Director of Stockton-on-Tees-based Nifco, a plastic component supplier to major automotive manufacturers, said,“This news sends a strong message that the UK is an attractive investment choice for all vehicle manufacturers. Though we supply many leading brands, 25 per cent of our total sales go to Nissan and the decision to invest in Sunderland safeguards our 650 employees. It is exciting that the new X-Trail will be manufactured here as this presents new opportunities for us.”