Global automotive automatic transmission manufacturer JATCO has opened a new factory in Sunderland that will produce electrified powertrains for the nearby Nissan plant.

The 138,840 sq ft facility on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park represents a £48.7m investment into the UK, supported by a grant from the UK Government, and will create up to 183 skilled jobs.

Initially, the powertrain produced will be the 3-in-1, which modularises and integrates the motor, inverter and reducer, making them smaller and lighter.

Japan-based JATCO hopes to reach a production capacity of 340,000 units from the plant.

This will support Nissan’s EV36Zero plan which includes building three fully-electric models – all-electric versions of Qashqai and Juke, as well as the next-generation Leaf.

Tomoyoshi Sato, JATCO’s CEO, said, “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.

“This will be our fourth country for an overseas production plant, with other locations in Mexico, China, and Thailand.

“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.”

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