CONSTRUCTION of the first Infiniti production facilities in Europe started in Sunderland today.
Part of an overall £250m investment in the UK, a groundbreaking ceremony was performed by Executive Vice President Trevor Mann, and Fintan Knight, Vice President for Infiniti Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Mann said: “Securing the Infiniti Q30 for production at Sunderland was a tremendous achievement by the workforce and reflects the quality levels which they have reached.
“The existing Sunderland plant is already the largest in UK automotive history and this £250m investment will move the plant even further up the value chain and reconfirm our commitment to their future.”
The new facilities, for the Q30 body assembly (Body Shop) and final assembly (Trim and Chassis), will cover 25,000m2 of new production space, with construction and facility installation due to be completed in time for the Q30 launch in 2015. The new Body Shop facilities will enable assembly of the Q30’s premium platform, while the Trim and Chassis extension will include a new engine installation facility.
Infiniti will become the first new car brand to be manufactured in the UK on this scale for 23 years. The expansion is set to create 1,000 jobs at Sunderland and in its UK suppliers, including 280 new jobs at the Sunderland Plant.