Prime minister Gordon Brown this morning welcomed car maker Nissan’s announcement that hundreds of jobs would be saved by a multi-million pound investment at its Sunderland factory.
More than £55m, including £6.2m from the government, is to be pumped into the manufacturer to make a new model when the current Micra goes out of production in 2010.
The deal was unveiled this morning during a visit by Brown to Nissan’s European Design Centre in London.
Brown said: “Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain, and I’m pleased to welcome Nissan’s new investment in the UK.
“Sunderland’s success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK’s position as a strong player in the global car industry.”
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Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn added: “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products.
“We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide on new products for the Sunderland plant.”
