Nissan Sunderland is renowned for building great cars, but the new Production Director at the plant is proof that Wearside builds great people too.
Lee Watson was born just a few miles from the plant and has lived his whole life in the region.
He said: “Like many people, I can remember when Nissan first came to Sunderland.
“One of my earliest memories is of my dad taking my uncle for an interview before the plant was even built. He got the job and only retired a few years ago after 30 years of service.”
Lee attended Farringdon Comprehensive and then Sunderland College. He started his Nissan career in 1999, taking up a position in the manufacturing team in Unit shop, building engines, before moving onto Trim and Chassis two years later building Primera on the plant’s Line One.
Since then, Lee has risen through the ranks, working on cars such as the 100% electric Nissan LEAF and record-breaking Nissan Qashqai. In his new role he will lead the plant’s full production team of more than 3,000.
Lee said: “I’m incredibly proud to be taking over as Production Director. Both my grandads were shipbuilders, so it’s great to be carrying on the manufacturing tradition.
“Things are a little different today with the cutting-edge tech that goes into our brilliant cars, but the team spirit, skill and workmanship are as strong as ever.”
And he’s in good company at the plant, with 13 of the plant’s senior leadership team having started their careers at Nissan and worked up.
Pushing forward
Lee added: “It’s proof that at Nissan if you work hard, learn and put the team first there are opportunities to progress.”
It’s an exciting time at Nissan Sunderland, with new Juke and new Qashqai both going into production in 2024.
And the plant is pushing forward its EV36Zero project, which combines EV and battery manufacturing with renewables and a goal of zero emissions driving as well as zero emissions manufacturing.
Lee said: “Sunderland is at the heart of Nissan’s drive to a sustainable future. I’m looking forward to the challenges and exciting change that will bring.”