Nissan jobs secure as new Juke begins production

Aug 27 2010 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal

HUNDREDS of jobs have been secured at car giant Nissan as the latest car rolls off the production line.

Company executives and Government Ministers gathered at the Sunderland plant yesterday to see some of the very first Juke models being assembled by workers.

Trevor Mann, Nissan senior vice president of manufacturing in Europe, was joined by John Hayes, the minister for further education, skills and lifelong learning, who reiterated the Government’s commitment to British manufacturing during the visit.

Mr Mann announced that the company would recruit 75 new apprentices during the next five years.

And Mr Hayes announced the Government was to invest £150m nationally in manufacturing apprenticeships as part of its strategy to re-balance the economy.

Mr Mann said: “When the last Micras rolled out of here it was a little bit sad because it was a model which had been with us for so long.

“However we were excited about producing the Juke and I want to offer my congratulations to the Sunderland workforce for earning the right to produce what is their sixth new model in eight years.”

The new model goes on sale next month and the company has already taken advance orders for more than 22,500 from across Europe.

It is estimated that around 100,000 Juke’s will roll out of the factory in the next 12 months in addition to the Qashqai, Note and Qashqai +2.

Mr Hayes said: “I know how hard the workers here have worked to secure production of the Juke.

“The Government is totally committed to supporting British manufacturing.

“Manufacturing matters, engineering matters, skills matter and apprenticeships matter.

“Those companies that take on apprenticeships and give opportunities to people will get the backing of the Government.”

The Juke is a compact sports crossover which will be priced from £12,795.