Kim McGuinness says Β£50m JATCO investment is just the start
Kim McGuinness made an impassioned speech celebrating the Β£50m investment between car manufacturing giant Nissan, the Japan Automatic Transmission Company, and the Government to create a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland.
The new site will help create 183 new high-value jobs in the region and support over 400 in the wider supply chain.
It will also establish JATCOβs first and only European plant and will produce 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains for Nissanβs neighbouring Sunderland plant.
(Image: JATCO) Nissan is one of the largest UK-based vehicle manufacturers, employing around 6,000 people across its Sunderland facilities, and todayβs announcement builds on their Β£2 billion investment in the region in 2023 to build electric vehicles.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Sunderland is the beating heart of the UKβs automotive industry. Todayβs announcement is a massive vote of confidence in the UK economy and this governmentβs plans to make Britain the destination of choice for investment.
(Image: Elliot Nichol Photo) “Not only will this boost our thriving auto industry, but it will help secure hundreds of jobs across the North East.
“The government is working hand in hand with investors to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK and our modern Industrial Strategy will build on this legacy, bringing growth, jobs, and opportunities to every part of the UK.”
Kim McGuinness said: “This is incredibly exciting. This is the best bit of my job, welcoming investors into the region. Showcasing all that we have got in the region. Talking about how proud we are of our advanced manufacturing sector.
“Seeing 183 new jobs in that sector here in the region is great for us, it’s great for the future and it’s great for Sunderland.
“We know that this is the future. We have heard Nissan talk today about their turn to all-electric vehicles and the fact that they are doing that right here in Sunderland. JATCO coming in as part of the supply chain is fantastic.Β
“It means more jobs in the sector and really upskilling the people of our region.
“OnlyΒ earlier this year we announcedΒ a major investment into those skills right here in the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, training more people to work in battery technology and EV manufacturing, those skills are part of what attract companies like JATCO to our region.
“Today’s announcement is just the start.”
(Image: Elliot Nichol Photo) Tomoyoshi Sato, CEO of JATCO, said: “I am so proud to officially open JATCO UK in the North East of England.
“And I am very grateful for the support of the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and all others involved in the establishment of JATCO UK, and look forward to supporting Nissanβs EV36Zero project with our electric powertrains.”
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Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council and finance and investment portfolio holder at the North East Combined Authority (NECA), said: “Itβs fantastic to welcome JATCO UK to our city, which is a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing.
“JATCOβs decision to locate in the city is testament to the prowess of the city as a place to do business, and a vote of confidence in our workforce too. Iβm confident that people from across our communities will benefit from this significant investment, and will β I am certain β repay JATCOβs belief in us as a city and a region, as they drive this new business to success here in the UK.”