GMI Construction drives on with JATCO plant work

A builder is driving ahead after securing £4.9 million work to get a car parts factory into gear.

GMI Construction Group has been appointed to extend and upgrade Sunderland’s Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (CESAM).

The base, on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, will be used by Japanese electric powertrain maker JATCO to supply Wearside car maker Nissan.

GMI will add external buildings and modify the 138,840sq ft site, with the work marking a return to the International Advanced Manufacturing Park for the Stockton-based company, which completed the CESAM manufacturing and research hub in 2019.

Gary Oates, GMI’s divisional managing director for the North East, said: “We’re proud to return to CESAM to deliver this important extension and upgrade on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

“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 says its £48.7 million factory – which it says will create up to 183 jobs – will make three-in-one electric powertrains for use by Nissan on Wearside-made green vehicles through the company’s EV36Zero programme.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “JATCO’s decision to locate in our city is testament to Sunderland’s strength as a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing.”

Alan Johnson, Nissan senior vice president – manufacturing, supply chain and purchasing for Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania, added: “Welcoming a key supplier to the North East provides a big boost to our supply chain.”

The International Advanced Manufacturing Park is a joint venture between Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council. 

GMI has further offices in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

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