Car production in the North East of England has returned for the first time in three months with news that Nissan’s Sunderland plant has returned to action.
The new Nissan Juke was the first car to come off the production line after employees at the plant were allowed to return to work following the Covid-19 shutdown.
Nissan have reviewed more than 5,000 individual processes in a risk assessment which focused on safety in the new socially distanced era. Some of the safety measures which have been introduced include a new level of separation between operators, such as screens, barriers and dividers. The staff rest areas and break times have also been looked at in order to maintain social distancing and avoid congregation areas. Staff will also be asked to wear PPE.
Alan Johnson, Nissan Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK said: “It’s great to see cars rolling off the line at the plant again, including the new Nissan Juke.
“It’s a testament to the skill and dedication of the team here at Nissan Sunderland that we have been able to get back up and running again, with a full set of safety measures in place.”
The new Nissan’s are expected to be shipped across the dealership network over the next few months, with 95% of the showrooms currently open in Europe.
The future of the Nissan plant is still under threat according to the company COO, who cites a no-deal Brexit as a dealmaker.