Nissan creates 400 jobs as vehicle sales rise

Jan 29 2010 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

“Sales of the popular crossover have now reached levels where demand is out-stripping supply.

“This is off the back of the outstanding success of the Qashqai - we’ve been working beyond maximum capacity for about nine months with shifts on the weekend and a lot of overtime. We’ve got significant backorders where customers are having to wait for their cars and we are expecting this demand to continue. This announcement is an indication that there is an underlying confidence is growing in the market.”

Recruitment will begin next month. And it is hoped additional posts will also be created across Nissan’s supply chain, with industry bosses claiming the announcement could secure a further 400 jobs.

Tony Sarginson, regional external affairs manager of EEF, the manufacturing employers’ group, said: “My reaction to the news was one of great delight for everyone involved in the industry. It’s my thoughts that the people in the supply chain will be those who benefit the most.”

One North East chief executive, Alan Clarke, said: “Today’s tremendous news that Nissan is to introduce a third shift due to increased demand for the Qashqai is very much welcomed.”