JATCO launches £48.7 million EV factory

A global automotive transmission manufacturer has strengthened the UK’s position in electric vehicle production with a major new investment in Sunderland.

Global automotive automatic transmission manufacturer JATCO has opened a manufacturing plant on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), creating up to 183 highly skilled jobs in a £48.7 million investment. 

The new facility, which was supported by a grant from the UK Government, will produce 3-in-1 electrified powertrains for the nearby Nissan Sunderland plant, integrating motor, inverter and reducer components to make them smaller and lighter.

Spanning 138,840sq ft, the production plant is set to support Nissan’s EV36Zero project, which includes the next generation of all-electric versions of the Qashqai, JUKE and LEAF models. 

Bosses at Japanese-headquartered JATCO, which has manufactured over 129 million automatic transmissions to the global automotive market since it was established in 1970 and has led the market in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) for the past 15 years, say production at the facility is expected to reach 340,000 units annually when localisation to Nissan begins in 2026.

Tomoyoshi Sato, chief executive officer of JATCO, said: “I am so proud to officially open JATCO UK in the North East of England.

“We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Nissan and we are delighted to bring the manufacture of our 3-in-1 powertrain to the UK. 

“This will be our fourth country for an overseas production plant, with other locations in Mexico, China and Thailand.

“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 Nissan’s EV36Zero project with these electric powertrains.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “JATCO has chosen the North East as their new home and the place to make this significant global investment. 

“Our offer is strong and I’m delighted to welcome the company to the region. 

“The decision underscores the confidence industry and investors have in the North East, and the leading role we can play in the future of the automotive and electric vehicle industry.”

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council and finance and investment portfolio holder at the North East Combined Authority (NECA), added: “It’s fantastic to welcome JATCO UK to our city, which is a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing.

“JATCO’s 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. 

“I’m confident that people from across our communities will benefit from this significant investment and will – I am certain – repay JATCO’s belief in us as a city and a region, as they drive this new business to success here in the UK.”

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