Automotive components supplier Magna Kansei (Pennywell Industrial Estate, GB-Sunderland SR4 9EW) has started up an automated facility to produce dashboard consoles for the new Nissan “Micra” being built at the Japanese company´s nearby manufacturing plant. The 5,000 square metre moulding and assembly factory, formally opened by Nissan UK managing director John Cushnaghan earlier this month, has created 80 jobs. It will use some of the latest injection moulding techniques so that the dashboard consoles, or cockpit modules, require the minimum of finishing operations. The majority of the components in the consoles are being moulded in PP and thermoplastic rubber.

Formed in 1990, Magna Kansei is a 50:50 joint venture between Canada´s Magna International (www.magnaint.com) and Calsonic Kansei (www.calsonic.co.jp/english) of Japan. Both companies have extensive global operations making a wide selection of car components for major manufacturers. Magna Kansei employs 500 people at its main plastics processing plant and won the contract for the new Nissan Micra, which is to be launched early in 2003, against fierce international competition. The new facility represents an investment of GBP 4m, of which GBP 846,000 was provided by a UK Regional Selective Assistance grant designed both to create new jobs and safeguard others. When in full production in 2003, the latest addition to Magna Kansei´s production capabilities is expected to increase the company´s turnover to GBP 130m annually.