2nd shift added and 600 jobs to be created to meet production needs
St Petersburg, March 10th 2010- Following slight recovery of the automotive market and growth in customer demand, Nissan announces expansion of its production footprint in Russia by adding a second shift to the existing one at its factory in St.Petersburg.
In addition to the increase of production output, the company has decided to extend its model line up by adding the third model – Nissan Murano – to the currently produced Nissan Teana and Nissan X-Trail. The start of production is planned for the beginning of 2011 and these models are for the Russian market only and not for export.
To support increasing production volumes, recruitment for the second shift started in February 2010 and it is expected that 600 additional jobs will be created at the plant with the launch of the second shift which is planned to commence in June 2010. The factory currently employs 850 people.
Nissan’s flexible production system is able to adapt to each region’s specific timing and model requests to support sales. Nissan in Europe will continue however to watch economic trends and market situations closely and stand ready to adjust production and direction as needed.
Commenting on this important step forward Fujio Hosaka, Managing Director of “Nissan Manufacturing Rus”, said: “The team has done a fantastic job with a successful start-up of production in Russia and ensures the highest level of quality of locally produced products – Nissan Teana and Nissan X-Trail. And now the third one – Murano – is coming! We at Nissan are always searching for an opportunity to produce products close to the market. With the expansion of our production facility here in St.Petersburg we are showing our commitment to the development of the Russian economy and contribution to local society.”
The first generation of Nissan Murano cross-over was launched in Russia in 2005 and immediately became popular among customers looking for the combination of SUV capabilities with passenger car like performance and distinctive style. The second generation of Murano debuted in the showrooms in 2009 and further improved the positioning of Nissan as a pioneer and a leader in the cross-over segment. Since the start of sales in November 2005 about 9 000 Muranos have been sold.
Key facts and figures -NISSAN MANUFACTURING RUSSIA (NMGR)
* Nissan Manufacturing RUS production start-up – June 2009
* Investments – US$ 200 million
* Annual production capacity – 50000 units
* Total Buildings area – 60,000 sq.m.
* Number of employees – 850 people (one shift)
* Nissan Teana start of production – June 2009
* Nissan X-Trail start of production – November 2009
* 4,000 vehicles produced NMGR June-December 2009
* 2009 CY Nissan Sales Russia – 62 434 units
