Nissan Sunderland factory to build against the competition Invitation

Car makes Wearside experts to overcome the competition from around the world to develop the latest Nissan models, it was revealed yesterday. The boss of Japanese manufacturing giant yesterday unveiled their new concept car - the name Invitation - and hinted at £ 125 million investment in their Sunderland plant and its people. The new model will create 400 jobs in Washington Street firms, and 1,600 supply chain. Car was built from mid-2013 to a project supported by a £ 9.3m grant from the Regional Growth Fund Government. Trevor Mann, Nissan senior vice president for manufacturing in Europe, said there was "competitive bidding" from other Nissan plants around the world to build a new car. Speaking Geneva Motor Show, which will be officially unveiled the car, he said: "The level of production is very high and the plants produced year-on-year improvement over the past few years. "This is one of the most productive Nissan plants around the world." Mr. Mann admitted that the company has some problems recruiting multi-skilled technical workers, but said there was an increase in the number of students requirements. Deal will see the highest ever recorded Nissan workforce in Washington. It also marks a major change in wealth at the factory where three years ago as a result of the recession began to bite, the workers said that more than 1,200 jobs will be fired. Now Nissan vice president for manufacturing in the UK, Kevin Fitzpatrick, said the as-yet unnamed vehicle, a concept car based on the invitation, it will bring jobs and prosperity. He said: "The unique point of marketable new car will lock in fuel economy. "It is equipped with a new generation engine, which was built in the factory as well. "The feeling here is very happy. This means that we can increase production on Line Two, where we currently Juke and Note. "We will recruit 400 additional staff and local suppliers we hire another 1,600 people, so a lot of work." Fitzpatrick said the quality of cars built in the factory and its workforce that helped during tough times during the recession. "Like every car manufacturer, we have a lot of problems during the Lehman shock, but our model Qashqai drag us it fairly quickly," he said. "And then we introduce the Juke, which is very popular in the market, hence the popularity of our products has brought us through more efficient." Is expected that the new model - which may have a different name when it goes on sale - has an initial annual volume of about 100,000. Site Washington, where assembly of the vehicle takes place, the last year celebrated the 25th anniversary of the production for the Japanese manufacturing giant. Tommy Brennan, GMB union regional officer, said: "This is really good news for the North East and all of those suppliers to Nissan where GMB members work. . On the day "CBI director-general John Cridland said:" This is brilliant news for jobs in the North East and a real help to business investment in the UK. "Trip Nissan Sunderland is a fascinating story, showing UK manufacturing capability at their best - better training, labor, skilled and committed brilliant, designated leadership." Said Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, it is another sign of the growing resurgence in UK car manufacturing "Sector has grown over 15% per year, creating thousands of jobs and manufacturing to drive Britain's grief," he said. "Nissan Sunderland plant the most productive crop company in Europe, which is a testament to the world class British engineer and signal to car manufacturers why we see such wonderful growth." Unite union national officer Tony Murphy praised the report as an aid for skilled jobs and a lifeline for the local economy. "The success of the British car industry is proof that, with the right support and investment, British manufacturing thrive," he said.