Freedom of City is '˜fantastic honour' for Nissan

Sunderland City Council last night voted unanimously to honour the entire workforce for their ‘sterling efforts in securing the future production of the next generation Qashqai and X-Trail.’

The award was proposed by council leader Coun Paul Watson, seconded by Tory leader Coun Peter Wood, and backed by Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors.

Plant boss Kevin Fitzpatrick said: “This nomination is a fantastic honour for our staff, and really emphasises the bond between our plant and the North East.

“In the year that we celebrated our 30th anniversary, it is terrific for our local workforce to receive such recognition.

“Being from the North East myself, I am determined that we will continue to grow our plant, and community links, for at least another 30 years.”

Freedoms are proposed in Sunderland to individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to the well-being and community spirit of the city.

Trevor Mann CBE, one of the original workforce for Nissan in Sunderland and latterly Chief Performance Officer for Nissan Motor Co Ltd, who is now Chief Operating Officer at Mitsubishi Motors, was given the Freedom of the City in 2014 in recognition of his contribution to the city’s economy.