Work starts on £4.9m extension of Sunderland manufacturing hub
Sunderland City Council has appointed GMI Construction Group to carry out the upgrade, which will enable JATCO to start producing electric vehicle powertrains for the Nissan plant in Sunderland.
The manufacturing and research hub was originally completed in 2019, before being used as an NHS Nightingale Hospital during the pandemic.
The extension and upgrade will see additional external buildings constructed and modifications made to the existing 138,840 ft facility.
This will meet the needs of JATCO, a Japanese automotive transmission manufacturer.
GMI’s divisional managing director for the North East, Gary Oates, said: “We’re proud to return to CESAM to deliver this important extension and upgrade on behalf of Sunderland City Council for JATCO.
“This project is a testament to the quality of our work and highlights our commitment to supporting innovative companies.
“It also reinforces the North East’s role as a key hub for electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing.”
JATCO’s £48.7 million investment in the facility will create up to 183 highly-skilled jobs, boosting the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain.
The site will produce 3-in-1 electric powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “JATCO’s decision to locate in our city is a testament to Sunderland’s strength as a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing.
“This investment will benefit our communities and reinforce our reputation as a destination for innovation and growth.”
Tomoyoshi Sato, JATCO’s CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Nissan and are delighted to bring the manufacture of our 3-in-1 powertrain to the UK.
“I am grateful for the support of the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and all others involved in the establishment of JATCO UK.”
The extension and upgrade of CESAM will restore it to its original purpose after it played a vital role as an NHS Nightingale Hospital and later as a mass vaccination centre during the pandemic.