Canada-based Magna International, a mobility technology company, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Sunderland, UK. Magna International’s facility features advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotic adhesive bonding cells, advanced vision systems and ultrasonic leak testing.
The investment will create 280 new jobs and will focus on the production of liftgate modules for the new Nissan Qashqai. The company will deliver the liftgates for final vehicle assembly to Nissan’s neighbouring Sunderland assembly plant. Nissan recently announced a $1bn investment to expand its existing Sunderland plant, which will lead to the creation of more than 6,000 new jobs.
Magna International also manufactures lightweight, thermoplastic liftgates for Nissan to be used in its Rogue model in North America. Grahame Burrow, president of Maga Exteriors, explained in a company press release: “As consumers continue to embrace SUVs, CUVs and other vehicles with liftgates, we see adoption of these modules increasing year over year, giving us more opportunity to further invest and take advantage of this high-growth, sustainable product line.”
Magna International was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada. The company employs 159,000 people across 27 countries globally.
