Automotive giant Nissan has confirmed plans to wind up its cylinder head production at Sunderland, moving 250 staff to elsewhere at the plant.
The Japanese brand has been producing cylinder heads at the site for more than 30 years but has decided to close the operation in 2024 as its sole contract with Renault expires and will not be renewed. A statement from Nissan said: "From early 2024, Nissan Sunderland Plant will cease production of cylinder heads on site. We do not expect this to result in job losses, and are working with staff as we redeploy them to other parts of the business."
Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West constituency, which includes the Nissan plant, said: "I have met with Nissan to discuss their announcement that they will be closing their casting operation at end of 2023, after their contract with Renault was not renewed. It is concerning that Nissan will be losing this operation, especially for the 250 workers, but Nissan have assured me that there will be no job losses as all staff will be redeployed within Nissan. I will also meet with Unite officials as soon as can be arranged."
Read more: Profits rise for hauliers Elddis Transport despite bumps in the road
News of the move follows increasing focus on electric vehicle production by the brand in the North East. The plant is currently preparing for the production of two new eco-friendly versions of its popular crossover vehicles – the Juke and the new Qashqai – and has recently created 300 new jobs.
It is part of Nissan's EV36Zero strategy which aims to de-carbonise manufacturing and accelerate zero-emission motoring. The strategy brings together a new battery plant and locally sourced green energy to power production - a blueprint the firm said it will expand into other markets around the world.
Nissan has said the plan would create more 1,600 jobs at Sunderland, along with a further 4,500 in the supply chain. Earlier this month, the firm said it had created a new "sustainable finance framework" it says will help it fund next-generation electrified vehicles, batteries, environmental technologies, and new mobility services.
READ NEXT:
-
CEO of battery plant firm Britishvolt steps down in management shake-up
-
North East shopping centre snapped up by local authority in moves to to boost regeneration
-
430 jobs to go at Tyneside fruit factory Orchard House Foods amid soaring costs
-
Sunderland snack bar maker Fullwell Mill sold in pre-pack administration deal
