Nissan Reduces Production and Cuts 1,200 Jobs at UK Sunderland Plant

The significant decline in customer demand across Europe has prompted Nissan to reduce production at its manufacturing plant in Sunderland, UK. The Japanese automaker that has already cut down production at the plant said that it would trim one shift from both production lines during the FY 08 Quarter 4 period (January – March 2009). As a result of the new working pattern, Nissan said that it would cut 1,200 jobs, including 800 permanent workers and 400 temporary contracts that will not be renewed beyond January.

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."

"Unavoidably, this means we have had to make some very tough decisions in recent weeks. However by doing so, we are helping to safeguard our long term future which I believe is extremely positive," he added.