Global automotive automatic transmission manufacturer JATCO Ltd has provided a major boost to the UK automotive industry by officially opening a new factory, creating up to 183 jobs.
Situated on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, Sunderland, the factory will produce electrified powertrains for the nearby Nissan plant. Initially, this will be the 3-in-1, which modularises and integrates the motor, inverter and reducer, making them smaller and lighter.
The 138,840 sq ft facility represents a £48.7m investment into the UK and will create up to 183 highly skilled jobs.
JATCO, an automobile transmission manufacturer headquartered in Japan, has supplied over 129 million automatic transmissions to the global automotive market since it was established in 1970. The company holds the top share in CVTs globally for the 15 years since 2008 and hopes to reach a production capacity of 340,000 units from its Sunderland plant.
JATCO is beginning preparations to fit out its new unit – a high-quality detached advanced manufacturing facility with Grade A office space at International Drive in Washington – to enable its new business division, JATCO UK, to begin supply to Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) (NMUK). Localisation to NMUK models will begin from 2026, when the facility is scheduled for completion. The new facility was supported by a grant from the UK Government.
JATCO’s CEO, Tomoyoshi Sato, said: “I am so proud to officially open JATCO UK in the North East of England.
“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.”
Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson is visiting the North East today [Thursday 16 January] to open the new facility and hear from senior officials from JATCO and Nissan about how the government funding will help bolster the UK’s automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles and support economic growth, an integral part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Vote of confidence
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry. Today’s announcement is a massive vote of confidence in the UK economy and this government’s plans to make Britain the destination of choice for investment.
“Not only will this boost our thriving auto industry, but it will help secure hundreds of jobs across the North East.
“The government is working hand in hand with investors to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK and our modern Industrial Strategy will build on this legacy, bringing growth, jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK.”
Alan Johnson, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Purchasing for Nissan AMIEO, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for our world-first EV36Zero plan. “Welcoming a key supplier to the North East of England provides a big boost to the efficiency of our supply chain. We look forward to continuing our long and successful partnership as we push towards our electric future.”
Nissan’s EV36Zero project is built on three new all electric vehicles, powered by renewables. The transformational project includes future all-electric versions of Nissan’s flagship Qashqai and JUKE crossovers, and before both of those the replacement Nissan LEAF.