Global automotive transmission leader JATCO Ltd has officially opened a new £48.7 million manufacturing facility in Sunderland, marking a significant boost for the UK automotive industry. The 138,840-square-foot plant, located on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, will produce advanced electrified powertrains for Nissan’s nearby manufacturing site. The facility is expected to create up to 183 highly skilled jobs.
The new factory will initially focus on producing the “3-in-1” powertrain system, which integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer into a single, compact unit. This innovation makes the components smaller and lighter, enhancing efficiency for electric vehicles. The plant is part of JATCO’s strategy to support the growing demand for electrified automotive technologies.
Founded in 1970, JATCO is a Japanese company specializing in automatic transmissions. It has supplied over 129 million units globally and has led the global market for continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) since 2008. The Sunderland facility aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 340,000 units, further solidifying JATCO’s position as a key player in the automotive sector.
The new facility, which includes a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit and Grade A office space, will serve as the base for JATCO UK, the company’s new business division. Production for Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK) is set to begin in 2026, with the plant expected to be fully operational by then. The project has received support from the UK Government and Sunderland City Council.
Tomoyoshi Sato, CEO of JATCO, expressed his pride in the new venture: “Opening JATCO UK in the North East of England is a milestone for us. Our long-standing partnership with Nissan has been incredibly successful, and we are thrilled to bring our 3-in-1 powertrain production to the UK. This is our fourth overseas production site, joining our facilities in Mexico, China, and Thailand.”
Sato also thanked the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and other stakeholders for their support. He added, “We look forward to contributing to Nissan’s EV36Zero project and advancing the future of electric mobility with our cutting-edge powertrains.”
The new plant underscores JATCO’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with the global shift toward electric vehicles and greener automotive technologies.
