GMI Construction Group has been selected by Sunderland City Council to deliver a £4.9 million extension and upgrade to the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (CESAM).

This development will enable Japanese automotive transmission manufacturer JATCO to begin production of innovative 3-in-1 electric vehicle (EV) powertrains for Nissan’s nearby Sunderland plant.

This project marks GMI's return to the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), where the company originally completed the CESAM manufacturing and research hub in 2019.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CESAM temporarily pivoted to serve as an NHS Nightingale Hospital and later as a mass vaccination centre. The new upgrades signify a pivotal step in restoring CESAM’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing technology and innovation, further solidifying the North East’s position as a leader in this field.


The upgrade includes the construction of additional external buildings and modifications to the existing 138,840 sq. ft facility to meet JATCO’s specific operational needs. The facility's enhancements are designed to support the production of cutting-edge EV components while aligning with the region’s growing focus on sustainable manufacturing.

JATCO's £48.7 million investment in the site will create up to 183 highly skilled jobs, bolstering the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain. The facility will manufacture 3-in-1 electric powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant, a key component of Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative. This ambitious project integrates EV production, renewable energy, and battery manufacturing to establish a global benchmark for the automotive industry’s sustainable future.

Gary Oates, GMI's Divisional Managing Director, North East, said: "We're proud to return to CESAM to deliver this important extension and upgrade on behalf of Sunderland City Council for JATCO. This project is a testament to the quality of our work and highlights our commitment to supporting innovative companies. It also reinforces the North East's role as a key hub for electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing."

Michael Mordey, the leader of Sunderland City Council added: "JATCO's decision to locate in our city is a testament to Sunderland’s strength as a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing. This investment will benefit our communities and reinforce our reputation as a destination for innovation and growth."