Member Article

Nissan success brings 800 jobs

Almost 800 new jobs are being created at the Nissan car plant in Sunderland, thanks to the success of the firm’s new Qashqai model. More than 130,000 of the vehicles have been sold in Europe since their launch in March 2007. By December 2008, the firm wants to make 400 staff permanent, with the remainder on temporary contracts.

Trevor Mann, senior vice president for manufacturing and supply chain management, Nissan Europe, said: “Currently on two shifts, we can produce 200,000 Qashqais per year. However, the car is proving so popular we now need to significantly increase our volume. “All of the Sunderland plant’s current temporary manufacturing staff will be offered permanent positions with the company on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to performance and sustained volume.”

More than 4,300 people already work at the plant, which has produced almost five million cars since production on Wearside began 20 years ago.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: “We have worked with Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd over the years and it is very welcome news that this ambitious company, which has and still continues to contribute so much to the North-East economy, is to recruit 800 additional staff and introduce a third production shift at its manufacturing plant in Sunderland in response to the demand for its Qashqai car.

“The LSC North East looks forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with Nissan on the back of this substantial recruitment drive.”

Sarah Green, Regional Director, CBI North East “This is fantastic news for the North East and is a real demonstration of how good manufacturing can compete in the UK. This represents Nissan’s largest ever recruitment campaign in the region and it is a great opportunity for individuals to get an excellent career and develop world class skills. It is also great news for the Nissan supply chain and will have far reaching repercussions on the North East economy as a whole.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .