Nissan reduces headcount by 1,200

Nissan has today announced that its Sunderland production facility will be reducing output and laying off staff as a result of the current economic crisis. The Sunderland plant will change its working patterns with less shifts and a reduction in its staff headcount by around 1,200 workers. Some 400 of those will be temporary contractors who won't be having their contracts renewed beyond January. Non-production training days will also be implemented.

Like all car manufacturers Nissan is facing an extremely challenging marketplace with falling demand and is introducing the measures to ensure the long-term survival of its Sunderland operation.

Nissan Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Europe, Trevor Mann, commented: "Like all manufacturers, Sunderland Plant is currently operating in extraordinary circumstances not of our making. It is essential we take the right action now to ensure we are in a strong and viable position once business conditions return to normal."

The Sunderland plant is earmarked to launch a new model in 2010, the facility's sixth model in seven years. The 'innovative compact vehicle' could be just what customers demand in the falling markets. The new model demonstrates the high regard placed on the Sunderland facility by Nissan's most senior managers, the plant being the UK's largest car exporter and producer with record production levels in 2007 and 2008.

Mann commented on the staff losses: "The long term future of the plant must remain our over-riding priority. However, as always, Nissan will continue to make every effort to minimise the impact on its employees and their families."

Kyle Fortune