Up to 9,000 new jobs could be created in a massive boost for the UK car industry.
The Tata gigafactory announcement - of a £4billion investment in an electric car battery factory - is said to be the biggest UK news for the industry since Nissan came to Wearside.
Let's look back at Nissan's own huge impact over the years in nine retro Sunderland Echo photos.
9. The Nissan plant won a national award in 1997 for being one of the country's healthiest workplaces. Here is David Tetchner showing the award to Graham Weir, Neil Head, Mark Herron, Jason Gillatt and Paul Hutchinson.
The Nissan plant won a national award in 1997 for being one of the country's healthiest workplaces. Here is David Tetchner showing the award to Graham Weir, Neil Head, Mark Herron, Jason Gillatt and Paul Hutchinson. | se
10. Nissan workers helped to brighten up the NCH Action for Children centre in Seaham in 1998.
Nissan workers helped to brighten up the NCH Action for Children centre in Seaham in 1998. | se
11. Get in touch if these photos brought back memories for you. Email [email protected]
Get in touch if these photos brought back memories for you. Email [email protected] | se