Nissan to install new extra large press line at UK plant

Nissan has begun extension work for a new extra-large press line at its manufacturing plant in Sunderland, UK.

This £37 million (Rs 364 crore)  investment will see the plant extended and a new 5,200 tonne press installed, supporting ongoing UK production of Nissan's Qashqai and Juke crossovers, the Nissan Note and the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

To be built alongside the existing seven press lines in Sunderland, the new line will be the biggest at Sunderland and the first of its type in the Renault-Nissan Alliance, pressing panels with a total force of 5,200 tonnes.

Weighing approximately 2,500 tonnes and 10.5 metres in height, a programme of engineering work is now under way ahead of the scheduled start of production in 2017, with a 6.5m deep ‘pit' currently being excavated for the foundations.

The new press line will make larger panels for all the Nissan vehicles produced in Sunderland, and will also provide panels for two forthcoming compact Infiniti models, the Infiniti Q30 and Infiniti QX30.

Nissan's senior vice-president for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe, Colin Lawther, said: "Nearly 3 million customers have bought a Nissan crossover that was manufactured here in the UK, and the 33,000 Nissan Leafs made here have helped it to become the best-selling electric vehicle in history.

"This fresh investment is a clear signal of our intent to continue leading in these key areas for the Nissan brand, with our crossover and electric vehicle success founded on the exceptional quality and delivery standards achieved by our workforce here in Sunderland."

Going into production in 2017, the new press line and panel storage area requires a building extension totalling 6,780 square metres, taking the total built up space on site over 362,000 square metres, the equivalent of more than 50 football pitches.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council said: "This is tremendous news. Nissan Sunderland's record-breaking productivity and continued growth are key to the export strength of the UK car industry. The plant extension and new equipment at the Sunderland plant, ahead of the Infiniti production, underpin the company's leading position and reinforce Sunderland's aim to be the automotive hub of the UK."