183 jobs and £48.7m: Jatco powers up Sunderland with new facility
The UK government is supporting the initiative
In a turbocharged boost to the UK automotive sector, Japanese transmission giant Jatco has officially unveiled its new Sunderland-based factory. The state-of-the-art facility, nestled in the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), promises to electrify the industry – quite literally.
This £48.7 million investment is not just about shiny new digs. It’s set to generate up to 183 high-skilled jobs, providing a significant jolt to the local economy. The sprawling 12,900 sq metre factory will focus on producing electrified powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant, a key player in the region's automotive landscape.
Jatco establishes Jatco UK in Sunderland
And there’s more: Jatco isn’t dabbling in mere components. The factory will churn out advanced 3-in-1 powertrains, integrating motors, inverters, and reducers into one compact and lightweight package. For the layperson, think of it as the Swiss Army knife of car parts – sleeker, smarter, and ready to charge ahead in the EV era.
Jatco, headquartered in Japan, isn’t a newcomer to the automotive world. Since its inception in 1970, the company has shipped over 129 million automatic transmissions worldwide. Your old Ford Mondeo, for instance, had a Jatco-sourced automatic transmission.
Auto industry in Sunderland:
The Sunderland plant aims to achieve a production capacity of 340,000 units annually – a figure that speaks to its ambitious plans. The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2026, just in time to support Nissan’s electrification goals.
“We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Nissan and we are delighted to bring the manufacture of our 3-in-1 powertrain to the UK. This will be our fourth country for an overseas production plant, with other locations in Mexico, China, and Thailand. I am very grateful for the support of the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and all others involved in the establishment of Jatco UK, and look forward to supporting Nissan’s EV36Zero project with these electric powertrains,” Tomoyoshi Sato, Jatco CEO, commented.
This milestone for the UK automotive sector hasn’t come without a little extra horsepower. The UK government lent a helping hand through a grant that supported the development of the Sunderland facility. The investment aligns with broader national objectives to localise EV production and accelerate the green transition.
Source: Jatco
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