North East England is the home of manufacturing innovation and it has continued to build on its worldwide reputation as a centre for automotive manufacturing excellence.
Some of the world’s largest automotive OEMs including Nissan, Explorer Group, Komatsu, Caterpillar and Cummins, are located here alongside a well-established global chain of tier-one suppliers and a wealth of specialist SMEs.
We are proud to say one of Europe’s most productive car plants, Nissan, is located in the region and has based its success around its 6,000-strong loyal workforce. More than 240 other automotive companies are located in the North East, many with large-scale manufacturing operations serving national and international markets. Not only do they export across the globe but they lead the way in the research and development of innovative products and pioneering technologies.
Our automotive sector directly employs more than 20,000 people and there are 116,000 employed in the wider manufacturing sector. The North East reports fewer staff shortages than other UK locations and, due to very low staff turnover rates, companies can confidently invest in training their loyal workforce.
The region’s automotive sector is supported by world-leading research and development (R&D) centres and a strong business support network. Local authorities, business organisations, centres of excellence and regionally located R&D funds supply a huge amount of support specifically geared towards nurturing existing supply chains and providing opportunities for new entrants.
The automotive sector’s future is based on electrification, automation and emerging technologies. The North East is a world leader in this field by establishing itself as a pioneering UK location for battery manufacturing and a global innovator in power electronics, motors and drives. The North East is home to Europe’s first battery production facility, AESC’s plant located adjacent to Nissan.
Autonomous vehicles, advanced materials and alternative powertrains are key to the future of the automotive sector and companies in the North East are already engaged in developing this cutting-edge technology.
Supporting your move to North East England
To support a smooth transition to the region, Invest North East England can provide a range of services, including property searches, data on skills and guidance on incentives, as well as making introductions to specialist networks that can offer guidance and links to potential customers, opportunities and R&D support.
