GMI Construction Group has celebrated a major milestone in the redevelopment of JATCO's UK facility at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), with a steel signing ceremony marking the completion of the building's structural framework.

The £4.9 million project, commissioned by Sunderland City Council, involves the extension and transformation of Unit 6 to support Japanese automotive manufacturer JATCO in launching production of its next-generation 3-in-1 electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. These components are essential to Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative at its nearby Sunderland plant.

Senior representatives from Sunderland City Council, JATCO, and key stakeholders gathered at the site to commemorate the progress, which brings the 138,840 sq ft facility one step closer to its future as a hub for advanced EV technology.

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"Seeing our UK facility take shape is an exciting moment for JATCO," said Simon O'Donnell, JATCO's Plant Manager. "These building upgrades are an important part in JATCO establishing an advanced manufacturing facility to produce the 3-in-1 electric powertrains. We’re grateful for the collaboration and support shown by all partners, especially Sunderland City Council and GMI Construction."

The upgrade includes both new external structures and significant internal modifications tailored to JATCO's advanced manufacturing needs. The company is investing £48.7 million in the site, a move expected to create up to 183 highly skilled jobs and further strengthen the UK's growing EV supply chain.

The project also marks a return for GMI Construction, which originally delivered the building in 2019 when it operated as the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (CESAM). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility was repurposed to serve as an NHS Nightingale Hospital and mass vaccination centre.

Now, the site's return to cutting-edge industrial use signals a renewed focus on sustainable manufacturing and clean technology. Located within IAMP — a nationally significant industrial zone jointly developed by Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council — JATCO joins a cluster of leading automotive and advanced manufacturing firms.

The revamped facility is set to play a pivotal role in Nissan's EV36Zero programme, an innovative model that combines electric vehicle production with renewable energy and battery manufacturing, helping drive the UK’s transition to net-zero transportation.