Work has just been completed on a new logistics centre at the North East Enterprise Zone in Sunderland, which will create 230 new jobs.  

The 421,000 sq ft site has been transformed into one of the most advanced logistics centres for advanced manufacturing in the country, and will be the hub of Vantec’s automotive supply business. It already employs more than 100 people and the new facility will see this rise to around 230 over the next two years. Since construction at the site began in May 2012, Vantec has won three major contracts with global automotive companies.  

Akira Koyama, president of Vantec, said: “This is our largest-ever overseas project. The new warehouse is already helping us to secure new contracts and expand our workforce.”

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said: “Vantec’s new warehouse is an ambitious project which echoes our city’s world-class ambitions to be Europe’s automotive hub.  The new jobs are the best possible news for the city, the region and the UK.”

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles added: “This is testament to the potential of Enterprise Zones to deliver growth across the country.  The government is fostering local enterprise and creating the conditions for businesses like Vantec to further invest and thrive in low tax, low regulation Enterprise Zones.”