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Landmark day for Nissan
Nissan announced 75 new apprenticeships as its latest model, the Juke, rolled off the production line at its Sunderland plant.
Trevor Mann, Nissan's senior vice-president of manufacturing in Europe, revealed the training opportunities at a celebration event for the new vehicle, attended by Business Minister John Hayes.
The car manufacturer is investing 57million in production of the Juke – its 12th new model – at Sunderland, safeguarding 1,100 jobs directly at the plant and an estimated 2,000 additional posts across Nissan's supply base.
It is backed by a 6.2million grant awarded by the previous Labour Government.
Mr Mann said: "This is a landmark day for the plant in Sunderland. It's an exciting day for us.
"This is not the end, but the beginning of what will hopefully be a long and fruitful time for Nissan in Sunderland."
In a speech to staff he added: "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 all our suppliers."
Mr Hayes, the Minister for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, 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."
Nissan has already received 22,500 pre-orders for the Juke across Europe and hopes it will match the success of its big brother the Qashqai.
Based on this, Sunderland expects to produce up to 100,000 units each year, making it the plants second-highest volume model behind the Qashqai.
The 75 advanced apprenticeships will be created over the next five years and Nissan will also extend its educational outreach programme until 2014, benefiting an extra 6,000 school students and 750 engineering students.
Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said the production launch of Juke, a crossover vehicle aimed at combining the best attributes of an SUV and a sports car, was a great day for Sunderland.
Coun Watson said it was thanks to firms such as Nissan and the investment and support provided by the public sector which had seen jobs created in Sunderland despite the economic downturn.
"It's another massive success story for Nissan in Sunderland," he said.
Plant workers were also delighted to see the Juke rolling off the production line.
Mark Blake, 47, originally from Sunderland but now lives in Hebburn, has worked at the plant for 18 years.
The trim and chassis production worker said: "From a design point of view I think it's unique, and I think it will do very well.
He added: "It's certainly makes a difference when you don't need to worry so much about your future like we were 18 months ago."
Martin Blyth, 43, from Sunderland, who also works in trim and chassis, said: "I think the new car is great and things are all the better here because people have peace of mind."
Both men were also pleased to hear the announcement of the 75 new apprenticeships.
"It's a good opportunity for young people and it's good to bring them in at an early stage," said Mr Blake.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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