Nissan plans recruitment drive - graduate jobs

Car giant Nissan could soon be on the lookout for engineering graduates to fill up to 200 new roles after it began production of a new engine at its Sunderland factory.

The two-litre petrol engine is being built in the North East as part of a £15 million investment programme in the massive car production facility over the next few years.

The project will secure 130 jobs and could see the expansion of the workforce dedicated to the new engine to 320 by 2013, if the economic conditions are right.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan's UK vice president of manufacturing, said: "This marks an important new stage in engine production in Sunderland.

"In recent years our employees have focused on improving the overall competitiveness of our engine operation so we are able to bring new business like this to the plant."

Margaret Fay, chairman of One North East, which gave Nissan a grant of almost £2 million, said: "This fresh investment from Nissan is a real boost both for the staff at its Sunderland plant and for the wider automotive industry in our region."