JATCO opens 140,000 sq ft Sunderland manufacturing plant
Located on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, the £49m facility will produce electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s nearby plant.
Initially, the factory will produce the 3-in-1 version, which modularises and integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer, making them smaller and lighter, and aims to reach a production capacity of 340,000 units.
GMI delivered the facility in 2019 and has now been reappointed to carry out the current extension and upgrade of Unit 6 as Japanese-headquartered JATCO begins to fit out its new premises.
The unit, a detached advanced manufacturing facility with Grade A office space at International Drive in Washington, will begin to supply Nissan from 2026, when the facility is scheduled for completion.
The new facility was supported by a grant from the UK Government.
IAMP is being delivered by Sunderland City Council and neighbouring South Tyneside Council, and already hosts a cluster of automotive and advanced manufacturing businesses.
IAMP is part of the North East Investment Zone, announced by the North East Combined Authority in November 2023, which looks to drive growth in advanced manufacturing and green industries.
Nissan’s EV36Zero project is focused on bringing all-electric versions of the company’s LEAF, QashQai, and JUKE models.
JATCO’s chief executive, Tomoyoshi Sato, 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 3-in-1 powertrain to the UK.
“I am very grateful for the support of the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and all others involved in the establishment of JATCO UK, and look forward to supporting Nissan’s EV36Zero project with these electric powertrains.”
Alan Johnson, senior vice president, manufacturing, supply chain and purchasing for Nissan AMIEO, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for our world-first EV36Zero plan.
“Welcoming a key supplier to the North East of England provides a big boost to the efficiency of our supply chain.
“We look forward to continuing our long and successful partnership as we push towards our electric future.”
Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council and finance and investment portfolio holder at the North East Combined Authority (NECA), said: “It’s fantastic to welcome JATCO UK to our city, which is a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “JATCO has chosen the North East as their new home and the place to make this significant global investment. Our offer is strong and I’m delighted to welcome the company to the region.
“The decision underscores the confidence industry and investors have in the North East, and the leading role we can play in the future of the automotive and electric vehicle industry.”
