Today, Nissan’s Sunderland Plant celebrates the production launch of the all-new JUKE compact sports crossover. Business minister John Hayes visited the factory to witness the new model’s arrival which Nissan says will safeguard 1,100 jobs directly at the plant and an estimated 2,000 additional posts across Nissan’s supply base.
JUKE represents £57 million of investment in the Sunderland facility. A £6.2 million Grant for Business Investment from the UK government has crucially supported this project.
John Hayes said: "This is one of the most successful and productive plants in Europe and Nissan’s long-standing commitment to skills is one of the biggest reasons why. Building the Juke in Sunderland will secure jobs and investment for years to come, benefiting the workforce and local community right here, as well as safeguarding more jobs in the supply chain across the region and the UK economy as a whole.
"It is very exciting to see what this fantastic investment means and meet some of the skilled people who will be building the Juke. I am also encouraged that this is one of the leading companies that is taking investment in apprenticeships seriously, helping people get the very best skills available.
"We want British businesses and individuals to have the skills they need to succeed, and I hope to see many more companies across the country investing in the future."
Trevor Mann, Nissan senior vice president of manufacturing, Europe said: “Congratulations to the Sunderland workforce for earning the right to produce what is their sixth new model in eight years. I would also like to thank both national and local government for their support, as well as the continued efforts of our all our suppliers.”
Sunderland will ramp up to full JUKE production volume in a plant record of two weeks, ensuring European dealers are fully stocked and ready for the car’s start of sales in late September.
Nissan expects to produce up to 100,000 units each year at the Sunderland plant making it the site’s second highest volume model behind the Qashqai. Note and Qashqai +2 complete Sunderland Plant’s current model line-up, while the Nissan LEAF zero-emission electric car is confirmed for production from early 2013.
It is expected JUKE will contribute to a Sunderland potential production volume of more than 400,000 units for the 2010 financial year which, if realised, would be a plant record. The majority of JUKEs produced in Sunderland will be exported into mainland Europe with the remainder destined for dealers across the UK and Ireland.
