Battery plant sale

Unite said it would be seeking guarantees over the pay, terms and conditions of its members at Nissan’s Sunderland battery manufacturing business after the carmaker announced its sale as part of global deal to GSR Capital.

Today’s (August 8) announcement of a sale and purchase agreement covers Nissan’s battery subsidiary Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), as well as battery manufacturing operations in Tennessee, owned by Nissan North America, in addition to the Sunderland operation, which is owned by Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.

Around 300 people work at Nissan’s battery manufacturing firm on Wearside. Nissan said there would be no job losses as a result of the deal.

“Unite will be meeting with Nissan and GSR Capital to secure guarantees over the pay, terms and conditions of our members,” said Unite national officer Tony Murphy.

“While the vow of no jobs losses is welcome, this highly skilled workforce needs the assurance that their pay, terms and conditions won’t be eroded.

“Workers will also be keen to see further detail of GSR Captial’s investment plans and how it will fulfil its promise to expand production capacity in this vital part of the car industry.

“Unite hopes that it can forge a positive relationship with the new owners of Nissan’s battery operation and ensure the business goes from strength to strength in the coming years.”