With the plant employing around 6,000 staff – not to mention the thousands more engaged in the wider supply chain – its importance to the city’s economy cannot be underestimated. Here we look back through our archives at a selection of pictures taken at the Washington plant and in the surrounding community.
9. Ministerial approval
Right, Stephen Byers, the then trade and industry secretary, visits Nissan in 2001. Photo: Sunderland Echo
10. Fond farewell
Nissan staff with some of the Sunderland-built Micras on the last day of production of Micras at the plant in 2010. Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady
11. By George
The then Chancellor George Osborne tours the plant in 2014. Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady
12. Community event
Nissan's Ultimate Olympic Sports Day at Newbottle Primary School in 2012. Pictured are Olympians Laura Weightman and Darren Campbell. Photo: Stu Norton