MP says Nissan's decision to close Barcelona plant should be warning for Government to support industry

The future of the Sunderland plant has been uncertain for some time, but Nissan’s new Transformation Plan confirmed the Japanese manufacturer sees the site as a core part of its European presence.

Instead, the firm is closing its plant in Barcelona, Spain, with the reported loss of about 2,800 jobs.

Nissan said today, Thursday, May 28, that Sunderland remains an ‘important part’ of the company’s European business.

The firm plans to use its relationship with other alliance members Renault and Mitsubishi to help grow the business.

There has been speculation that could see Renault models built in Sunderland, though this has not been confirmed.

Sharon Hodgson, whose Washington and Sunderland West constituency covers the Wearside plant, said: “‘I am extremely pleased that the Nissan plant in my constituency will not be closed as part of worldwide efficiency plans, I know this will come as a great relief to many people.

‘’However, efficiency savings are still due to be made, and I want to add my voice to calls by Unite that they should not come in the form of job cuts or changes to terms and conditions for workers.

‘’The closure of the plant in Barcelona should act as a warning to the UK Government that there is no room for complacency when it comes to supporting manufacturing in the UK, particularly as we emerge from the current crisis.’’

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