New Sunderland facility to help provide electric powertrains for Nissan’s future EVs

A new facility built close to Nissan’s Sunderland facility looks set to create 183 new jobs through the development of electric powertrains for the Japanese automotive manufacturer.

Jatco, a global automotive automatic transmission manufacturer, is setting up the new factory right next to Nissan’s facility at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, Sunderland, where it will create electric motors for future EVs from the brand.

Jatco has supplied over 129 million automatic transmissions all over the world since it was established in 1970, with this new development allowing it to have a closer relationship with Nissan.

The site measures 138,840 square feet and represents a £48.7 million investment into the country’s economy.

Tomoyoshi Sato, Jatco’s CEO 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 three-in-one powertrain to the UK. This will be our fourth country for an overseas production plant, with other locations in Mexico, China and Thailand.”

Jatco is currently fitting out the new facility ahead of a planned completion next year.

Nissan is focusing on going electric for its model line-up with its EV36Zero plan. This will make the Sunderland plant an EV hub with three electric vehicles in the pipeline along with renewable energy, pushing the firm to become a carbon-neutral company in the future.

Baroness Gustafsson OBE, minister for investment said, “This announcement is a massive vote of confidence in the UK economy and this government’s plans to make Britain the destination of choice for investment. Not only will this boost our thriving auto industry but will help secure hundreds of jobs in Sunderland.

The government continues to work 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.”