Sunderland has reinforced its position as an automotive hub for the UK and provided a sizeable boost for its economy with thousands of new job opportunities since its long term economic masterplan for growth was put in place two years ago.
A high profile event in the House of Lords this week, organised by Sunderland City Council, brought together automotive industry experts for a roundtable discussion about ‘right-skilling’ the UK labour force for the automotive industry in the 21st century.
Two years ago Sunderland City Council launched its economic masterplan which targets economic growth to 2025 in key sectors, including automotive manufacturing. A focused programme is targeting key locations and markets and supporting city companies, with visible results. Companies including Nissan, Unipres, Lear Corporation, SNOP UK, Vantec Europe and Calsonic Kansei have all revealed plans to create new jobs.
Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council said, “We have the UK’s largest car factory and the strongest automotive component supply chain all within our city. Sunderland’s central location in the UK, excellent infrastructure, UK and Europe leading connectivity all contribute to producing the tangible results we’re seeing now. The city’s long-term plan for targeted growth underpins its continued success in attracting automotive companies from countries worldwide.”
In April alone, Nissan announced 1,125 jobs – 225 at its Sunderland plant and 900 within its supply chain – and Calsonic Kansei revealed 145 new job opportunities as a result of a £15.3million Regional Growth Fund investment.
Sunderland’s economic masterplan draws on the city’s strengths as a location for automotive manufacturing and components supply chain companies. The plan’s 15-year focused approach has created new international links and active interest in the city from the automotive sector worldwide. The City Council currently has more than 50 ‘live’ enquiries from prospective investors considering the city as a location.
