Member Article

TRW to create 130 new jobs in Sunderland and double factory space

TRW, a Sunderland automotive steering systems manufacturer, is creating 130 jobs and doubling its factory floor space to cope with expected demand from international clients for a new technology developed in the city.

Sunderland City Council is investing £4.6 million in US-owned TRW’s extension at the company’s Rainton Bridge site.

The project, which will be completed next year, has also won £1.95 million from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to equip the new building with extra production and assembly facilities.

The additional space is needed for the assembly of electric motors used in TRW’s new steering technology created by TRW’s research and development team in the UK.

The company, which exports 100 per cent of the products made in Sunderland, predicts strong demand from Chinese and European car makers.

The new development is a belt-drive electrically powered steering innovation, which cuts fuel usage and carbon emissions to make cars both more economical and environmentally-friendly.

TRW also produces a column-drive steering solution which is designed to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy.

The company produces the world’s biggest selection of electrically assisted steering devices and created the first electrically powered hydraulic steering systems launched on the European market.

Over 18 million of these systems have been produced from the Sunderland plant.

The additional work will result in an extra 130 jobs being added to the current Sunderland workforce of 200 over the next two years, beginning in the second half of 2015.

The new factory will be owned by Sunderland City Council and rented back to TRW. The company, which has been in Sunderland since 1989, has a long and fruitful relationship with the city council.

Last year, the company secured a £1.75 million in RGF funding with help from Sunderland City Council towards a £15 million investment in its Sunderland facility.

TRW, which counts VW as its biggest customer and also supplies to motor giants including Renault and General Motors, ships most of its production out of the UK via ports on the south coast. However, it values its Sunderland base because of the quality of the workforce.

Sunderland plant manager, Tim Jayes, said: “This extension is a major project for TRW in Sunderland and a strong vote of confidence in the site for the future.

“Our objective is to now develop the site as a global centre of excellence for the development and manufacture of electric motors and expand our offer to further applications and vehicle segments.

“This will help us to attract more business and strengthen our position as a market leader in steering.

“We have a very long term relationship with the City Council and they are excellent to deal with, they have also supported us with our new laboratory and equipment to build concept motors.

“It’s unique in my experience to have the consistent level of advice and support the City Council has given us over the years.

“The workforce here is extremely efficient, accommodating and flexible. They are very forward-looking and willing.

“The support of Sunderland City Council is fantastic. It is a real partnership which has made a huge difference to TRW.”

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “We are delighted to back TRW’s latest expansion in Sunderland, which is creating new jobs and wealth for the city’s economy.

“Sunderland is known for the outstanding quality of its workforce and to see that recognised on a global scale by a multinational company like TRW can only help to promote the city as a centre for inward investment.

“We have worked with TRW since the company arrived in Sunderland and look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come.”