£13million investment creates 22 jobs at Sunderland factory

Unipres installed two new presses which went live just after Christmas.

The giant pieces of kit – a 2,500 tonne Tri Axis transfer press and 600 tonne blanking press – are now working around the clock on three shifts producing lightweight, high tensile strength steel parts mainly for use at Nissan.

Unipres is also ramping up production to supply Honda in Swindon with components for its new Civic Global model, which will be sold in Europe and the US, and produces parts for Renault and exports around a quarter of its products to overseas car makers.

The new equipment completes an £83million capital investment programme in the Sunderland plant started in 2013, which has safeguarded 157 jobs as well as creating the 22 new positions on the new presses. The plant currently has a workforce of 1,162.

Managing director Gary Graham said: “This level of investment is a statement of belief and confidence in the long term future of Unipres UK in supporting existing volumes and the on-going success of our major customers such as Nissan, Renault and Honda, whilst expanding our developing overseas markets in Europe and Russia which now equates to 25 per cent of our business.

Sunderland City Council leader Coun Paul Watson said: “Unipres is a fantastic asset to Sunderland’s automotive sector, and we’re delighted the company’s latest investment has resulted in 22 new jobs.

“Unipres has a long-term commitment to the city, and we are proud to support the business as it goes from strength to strength, both in its business with domestic car manufacturers such as Nissan and in winning new global orders.

“Through the success of companies like Unipres, Sunderland is well and truly on the international automotive map as a great place to do business, supported by the strong infrastructure of a successful and mature industry.”