JATCO Launches JATCO UK Manufacturing Plant in Sunderland

  • New £48.7 million facility on International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) to produce 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains.
  • Plant to support Nissan Sunderland’s EV36Zero project, creating up to 183 skilled jobs.
  • UK Government-backed project aims to bolster the region’s role in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.

JATCO Ltd, a global leader in automotive automatic transmissions, has officially inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in the North East of England, marking a significant milestone for the UK’s automotive sector. Located on Sunderland’s International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), the factory represents a £48.7 million investment and will generate up to 183 highly skilled jobs.

The 138,840 sq ft plant will produce advanced 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains—integrating the motor, inverter, and reducer for compact, lightweight designs—destined for the nearby Nissan Sunderland Plant. With operations slated to begin in 2026, the facility aligns with Nissan’s ambitious EV36Zero initiative, which integrates EV production, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy solutions.

JATCO’s Commitment to the UK Market
Headquartered in Japan, JATCO has produced over 129 million transmissions globally since 1970 and leads the market in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). The Sunderland facility will be JATCO’s fourth overseas production plant, joining locations in Mexico, China, and Thailand, with an annual production capacity of 340,000 units.

JATCO’s CEO, Tomoyoshi Sato, expressed enthusiasm about the venture:
"We are proud to launch JATCO UK in Sunderland, a region renowned for its automotive expertise. This partnership with Nissan and support from the UK Government highlight the region’s strength as a hub for innovation and sustainability."

Government and Industry Support
The new plant is supported by a UK Government grant as part of its strategy to enhance the country’s EV supply chain and drive economic growth.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the importance of the investment:
"This announcement underscores confidence in the UK’s automotive industry. It not only strengthens our EV supply chain but creates hundreds of skilled jobs, cementing Sunderland’s role as the heart of Britain’s EV revolution."

Nissan AMIEO Senior Vice President Alan Johnson hailed the collaboration:
"This marks another significant step forward for our EV36Zero initiative, enhancing supply chain efficiency and propelling us toward a sustainable electric future."

Regional Impact and Development
The facility is part of Sunderland City Council’s efforts to establish the region as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and green industries. Located within the North East Investment Zone, the project aims to create thousands of jobs and attract further investment.

Councillor Michael Mordey, Sunderland City Council Leader, remarked:
"Welcoming JATCO to Sunderland underscores the city’s global reputation for excellence in advanced manufacturing. This investment is a testament to our workforce’s expertise and resilience."

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added:
"JATCO’s decision to invest here reflects the region’s strong offer for the future of the automotive and EV industry. It creates meaningful opportunities for our communities and bolsters our position as a leader in green innovation."

Construction and Expansion Plans
The construction of the facility is being managed by GMI, the original builder of Unit 6 in 2019, which has been reappointed for the extension and upgrade.

As the region strengthens its automotive and green manufacturing capabilities, JATCO’s Sunderland plant stands as a testament to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, driving the UK’s transition to a cleaner automotive future.