North East mayor to approve investment in manufacturing skills facility

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness is set to approve a £14.6 million skills investment, which will create a new generation of skilled local workers in electric vehicle and battery technology.

MADE NE, led by Nissan with partners on behalf of the automotive sector, will create world-leading training facilities over two sites within the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site in Sunderland.

The multi-million pound project will provide open access facilities to industry for skills training in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on EV and battery manufacturing.

MADE NE is the first project to come forward as part of the region’s Investment Zone: a £160 million, 10-year programme that is expected to create at least 4,000 jobs and secure £3bn of private sector investment.

A report to the mayor and cabinet recommends the project will receive support worth £9.7 million from the Combined Authority.

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.“

Adam Pennick, vice president, manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland plant, said: “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.”

Pictured: Adam Pennick, vice president, manufacturing, Nissan Sunderland plant; North East mayor Kim McGuinness; Leader of Sunderland City Council Cllr Michael Mordey; in the background are members of the Nissan Skills Academy, and current and former apprentices.