Sunderland rejoices after Nissan announcement

Sunderland is celebrating today after Japanese car-making giant Nissan revealed plans to build a huge battery factory on Wearside, giving a boost to the British automotive industry and creating thousands of new jobs.

The £1 billion ‘gigafactory’ will produce electric car batteries in partnership with Envision AESC. There will be 1,600 jobs in Sunderland and a further 4,500 in the supply chain.

Last week, we reported a £400 million investment from Nissan to build the third generation QashQai. The hybrid model was a sign of things to come, Nissan said. But we did not know how soon and on what scale!

As the car giant becomes more electric-focussed, with new models rolling off the production line, the on-site gigafactory would make the batteries needed.

This announcement has been welcomed by the people of Sunderland following the pressures of the pandemic and the uncertainty they faced because of Brexit.

There was talk of Nissan leaving the UK if a deal was not reached. Luckily it was because Nissan is the beating heart of Sunderland.

Thousands of families depend on Nissan for income and for them to have this huge vote of confidence is brilliant.

Last year, 30% fewer cars were made, and this doesn’t go unnoticed. However, it seems the Sunderland plant is stronger than ever.

Today’s news brings security, promise and confidence – deserved after so much uncertainty.

The North East is built on industry. This generation of workers has come from miners, steel-makers, ship-builders.

We are manufacturing and Nissan sees the skills, the work ethic and the opportunity here.

GB News has also been told there are future plans for another three gigafactories on the site – Sunderland is strengthening and I am thrilled to be able to report such positive news from the city.