Multi-million pound boost is just the job

Nissan announced the creation of 1,400 new jobs at its Washington plant in a £216 million investment package.

The Japanese car giant plans to open a new production line to build a new small Micra economy class car, it was announced at a London press conference.

This news will bring the total workforce at the Wearside factory to 3,500 by 1992. Until today the target was 2,700 by 1991.

The new jobs will be mostly manufacturing staff and recruitment will start during 1990. The announcement was made by Nissan’s global chairman Takashi Ishihara.

Mr Ishihara said the Wearside development will bring total investment in the plant to more than £600milion – the largest single Japanese investment in Europe. He said Japan was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of the Wearside workers and the decision was a commitment to the future of the UK.