North East to benefit from multi-million EV and battery tech investment

The £14.6 million project is the first initiative within the region’s £160 million Investment Zone and will provide open access to facilities for skills training in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

MADE NE, led by Nissan with partners on behalf of the automotive sector, will establish training facilities at two bases within the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS) in Sunderland.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “In my manifesto I promised to back our world-leading automotive industry. Now we are delivering. This investment will unlock a generation of skilled workers and create opportunities for local people and businesses. It cements our reputation as a global success story in advanced manufacturing and shows how we can lead the industries of the future. The investment shows how we can make the North East the home of real opportunity by backing local workers and businesses – so our area has good, well-paid, high-skilled jobs and training on the doorstep.”

A report, to be presented to the North East Combined Authority Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 30 July, recommends that the combined authority provides up to £9.7 million of support for the scheme.

Adam Pennick, vice president of manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, added: “To build the cars of the future, you need the skills of the future. This fantastic new facility will help find the talent, nurture the technical skills and drive the spirit of innovation that will power advanced automotive manufacturing in the UK. Nissan Sunderland is proud of its track record on skills development and we know that to deliver our EV36Zero vision we need to do more.  That’s why we are excited to be leading this collaborative long-term project to take skills development to the next level, for the benefit of the North East of England.”