Infiniti, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Nissan Motor, has initiated construction of its first production facilities in Europe at its car manufacturing plant in Sunderland, as a part of its £250m investment in the UK.
The project includes construction of new facilities for the Q30 body assembly (Body Shop) and final assembly (Trim and Chassis), which will combine 25,000m2 of new production space. The construction of the plant and facility installation will be completed in 2015, in time for the launch of Q30.
The new body shop will facilitate the assembly of Q30's premium platform, while the trim and chassis extension will include a new engine installation facility.
Infiniti Europe, Middle East and Africa executive vice president Trevor Mann said: "The existing Sunderland plant is already the largest in UK automotive history and this £250m investment will move the plant even further up the value chain and reconfirm our commitment to their future."
This new expansion is expected to create 1,000 jobs at Sunderland and in its UK suppliers, including 280 new jobs at the Sunderland Plant. In addition, Infiniti will become the first new car brand to be manufactured in the UK on this scale for 23 years.
Infiniti Europe, Middle East and Africa vice president Fintan Knight said that their investment here amplifies the brand's presence in Europe, but provides clear intent as they gear up for sales of the compact premium Q30 in 2015.
"Infiniti is committed to growing its product offering over the coming years as we challenge the traditional premium offerings," Knight added.
