Member Article

Multi million pound ZF TRW extension to bring 130 new jobs to Sunderland

The multi-million pound extension of Sunderland-based ZF TRW, the Active and Passive Safety Technology Division of ZF AG, will officially open today as the firm begins its promise of pumping 130 new jobs into the North East economy.

The company, which became part of the German-owned car component giant ZF Group earlier this year, has completed work at the Rainton Bridge site a month ahead of schedule.

Meeting international demand of customers, floor space has doubled following an investment of £1.75m from the Regional Growth Fund and support from Sunderland City Council.

Paul Butler, chief executive of the region’s automotive cluster group, the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), said: “This is another strong example of significant investment into a North East facility.

“ZF TRW is a fantastic company and it’s great to see its parent company recognising that and investing in the future of the North East.”

ZF TRW exports 100 per cent of its products made in Sunderland, with key markets including Europe and China. The new space will initially be used for the assembly of electric motors used in the company’s new electric steering column system, designed to cut emissions, save fuel and produce a more economical, environmentally-friendly vehicle.

The first motors to be built in the extension are for a new contract with a major North American vehicle manufacturer, which begins production early in 2017. The existing Sunderland plant is also currently producing two new belt-drive steering products for other car manufacturers.

ZF TRW Sunderland plant manager, Tim Jayes, said: “The new building will handle production for this new piece of business initially as well as future business awards.

“The nature of our products means that when we build new motors, they go to the design and test centre for extensive testing, and then they are fitted to prototype vehicles for exhaustive road testing. The new production line can be in place some 12 months before we start production for saleable cars.

“The testing period can be eight to 12 months for the motors alone. When they pass all the tests, we can then start to build and assemble them into the full steering rack.”

The company has been manufacturing in Sunderland since 1989. It has a strong relationship with Sunderland City Council, which supported the construction of the new building, helping ZF TRW to retain the competitive edge it needs in the export market.

Tim Jayes continued: “The City Council has been exceptionally supportive. It recognises our requirements and has been very happy to get involved throughout the whole project.

“Sunderland is an ideal location due to its experienced and highly skilled workforce that has been building motors for many years.”

Sunderland City Council leader, Cllr Paul Watson, said the local authority is always happy to work with companies like ZF TRW.

“The partnership approach is very important, and we have been delighted to support ZF TRW since it came to Sunderland,” he said.

“The company is an important part of the city’s growing automotive hub, and is a major employer and driver for our local economy. We look forward to continuing to work with ZF TRW and backing the business’s further growth.”

The new extension opening was also welcomed by UK Trade and Investment’s Automotive Investment Organisation.

Deputy CEO Lawrence Davies said: “ZF TRW’s latest decision to invest in Sunderland shows the company’s faith in the city and in its workforce for the long-term, and demonstrates its belief in the UK’s overall competitiveness.

“The company has had a base in Sunderland for more than 25 years and the new extension shows this multi-national company’s commitment to the city and its role as a key employer in Sunderland’s very strong automotive supply chain.”

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