Milestone reached in JATCO extension
GMI Construction held a steel signing ceremony at the Japanese manufacturer’s International Advanced Manufacturing Park facility, as it progresses with the £5m upgrade.
The construction group was appointed by Sunderland City Council on the project, which will enable Unit 6 to produce 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains, a vital component for Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative at the nearby plant.
GMI will construct external buildings and carry out internal modifications to the 140,000 sq ft plant, which opened in January and represents an investment of almost £49m.
Originally built by the construction firm in 2019, the building was originally named the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing and during the pandemic served as both an NHS Nightingale Hospital and mass vaccination centre.
IAMP is a cluster of advanced manufacturing and automotive businesses, delivered jointly by Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council, and is a key hub for the UK’s clean energy goals.
The facility will play a central role in Nissan’s EV36Zero programme, which is a world-first blueprint for carbon-neutral manufacturing integrating EV production with renewable energy and battery supply.
Simon O’Donnell, JATCO’s plant manager, said: “These building upgrades are an important part in JATCO establishing an advanced manufacturing facility to produce the 3-in-1 electric powertrains.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration and support shown by all partners, especially Sunderland City Council and GMI Construction.”
Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “JATCO’s presence in our city is a strong endorsement of the North East’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, and this milestone demonstrates the progress being made to deliver on that promise.”
Darryl Brown, GMI’s commercial director for the North East, said: “This steel signing marks a key step towards an exciting future for CESAM.
“We’re proud to once again play a key role in shaping a facility that stands at the cutting edge of sustainable manufacturing and electrification.
“It’s an honour to support JATCO’s arrival and to continue our close partnership with Sunderland City Council on such an impactful project.”
