North East LEP response to Nissan’s announcement of new Sunderland gigafactory

As Nissan announced its plans to create a new electric model and battery plant in Sunderland, creating more than 6,000 jobs, Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Nissan’s ongoing commitment to invest in the North East is testament to the skills, talent and expertise in our region’s advanced manufacturing sector. Today’s announcement also recognises the leading role our region has to play in new sustainable forms of energy, like electrification.

“The UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050 has accelerated the need for R&D and investment in electric vehicles, and Nissan’s announcement will put our region at the forefront of new developments in this sector.

“Nissan’s plans for its Sunderland plant will not only create thousands of direct jobs, but it will also deliver thousands more in the supply chain, ensuring the economic benefits reach right across our region.”