Nissan’s luxury vehicle division Infiniti will make vehicles for the European market at the parent company’s plant in Sunderland, United Kingdom, from 2015.
There are reported to be some unique considerations for logistics according to the company. Infiniti will begin production following the completion of a 25,000m2 extension at the Sunderland facility.
The production expansion forms part of a £250m total investment in Sunderland by Infiniti.
Construction will begin over the next few weeks, after planning approval was granted by the City Council on Wednesday 4th September.
Nissan Motor UK Manufacturing Vice-President, Kevin Fitzpatrick, said the expansion reflected a progression in the company’s manufacturing capabilities, which would be experienced throughout the supply chain.
Paul Maddison, General Manager of Alliance Logistics Europe, said work had started on the supply chain considerations the company had to make to bring in more material to what is already the biggest car plant in the UK.
‘The new Infiniti model will have some unique considerations for logistics,’ Maddison said. ‘Sourcing is being decided now, so our solutions are not finalised yet, but we already know there are some unique areas of the supply chain that we need to study in more detail, and a cross functional team is well underway with this now,’ Maddison added.
In 2012, Sunderland made more than 510,000 vehicles, including the Qashqai, Juke and Note models. In April this year, it added production of the 2nd generation Leaf electric vehicle.
Basing Infiniti production for the European market there is the latest step in the success of the plant since it began operations in 1986.
The company said the plant was chosen in recognition of the workforce’s productivity and quality achievements over many years.
Total plant volume stands at almost 7m units. ‘The compact car is crucial for our future growth plans, and the decision to invest and build the vehicle in the UK further underlines our long-term commitment to Europe,’ said Fintan Knight, Vice President at Infiniti Europe.
The new Infiniti model is expected to feature design elements drawn from the Q30 Concept being shown in the Frankfurt Motor Show.
(Source: Automotive Logistics News, 11th September 2013)
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