North East MPs React to Nissan Closures

National World - LocalTV

Amid major global restructuring, Nissan’s announcement of factory closures has sparked concern among North East MPs, who are urging clarity and assurances over the future of the Sunderland plant and its 6,000-strong workforce.

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00:00Nissan has announced it will be closing 17 of its manufacturing facilities across the

00:06globe, following a staggering financial loss of around £3.4 billion.

00:10This move will see around 20,000 jobs cut worldwide, about 15% of the company's global

00:17workforce, as it tries to recover from slumping sales and the collapse of a major merger with

00:22Honda. The closures are part of a major restructuring plan aimed at stabilising the business by

00:292006. While much of the impact will be felt overseas, attention here in the UK has quickly

00:34turned to Nissan's plan in Sunderland, a cornerstone of the North East economy, employing more than

00:406,000 people. For now, Sunderland is not on the closure list, but that hasn't eased all

00:46concerns. Just recently, the company announced it was stopping production of cylinder heads

00:51at its engine plant there, after a contract with Renault ended. It's a worrying sign and

00:57one that's prompted a swift response from local MPs. North East representatives say they're

01:02keeping a close eye on the situation. They're urging Nissan to safeguard jobs in the region

01:08and ensure the Sunderland plant remains central to its future. There's also pressure on the

01:13government to step in, exploring options for investment in electric vehicle production and

01:17other measures that could secure the long-term future of the plant. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness

01:24has expressed strong support for Nissan's Sunderland plant amid the company's global restructuring.

01:30She recently highlighted the recent £9.6 million investment from the North East combined authority

01:35in a new training facility in Sunderland, underscoring the commitment to developing a skilled workforce

01:41workforce for the future of the automotive industry in the North East.

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