An automotive manufacturer is investing in greener production as part of a long-term commitment to cutting emissions and safeguarding skilled jobs.
Kasai UK, a key supplier to the global automotive industry, has secured a £100,000 grant to support investment at its Washington plant, near Sunderland.
Bosses say the funding will enable the interior trim specialist to switch from carbon-intensive adhesives to a solvent-free, water-based alternative, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 100 to 120 tonnes each year.
The move builds on Kasai UK’s pledge to cut emissions at the site by 30 per cent by 2030.
Following the installation of rooftop solar panels in 2023, the company has already achieved a 24 per cent reduction, with the latest investment expected to take this to around 27 per cent and potentially deliver the target ahead of schedule.
Jill Usher, managing director of Kasai UK, said: “This investment marks a major milestone in our ambitious bid to reduce emissions at our Sunderland plant.
“We first trialled the use of solvent-free adhesives when producing trims for new Nissan vehicles and it was a huge success, so our goal now is to roll it out across all models.
“To achieve this, we have had to invest significantly as a business, including the installation of new equipment and technology, so it is very much an investment into the future of the plant.”
“The impact it will have on our staff will be huge as it’ll create a much cleaner, better working environment.
“It will also have a major impact on the local environment as it’ll reduce noise pollution as well as Co2.”
Kasai UK’s Washington facility employs around 520 people and produces more than 1.2 million door trims and over nine million pillar trims annually for major automotive customers including Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover.
Alongside environmental benefits, the investment is intended to improve working conditions and secure the long-term future of the plant.
The grant forms part of the Business Growth Fund, delivered by UMi and supported by Sunderland City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “It is fantastic to see Kasai UK continuing to invest in its workforce and its Washington plant.
“Since the company was established in the UK in 1991 it has gone on to play a key role in helping establish the region as a global automotive powerhouse and this investment will hopefully see the company continue to play a key role in growing the industry for many years to come.”
Jonpaul Heron, specialist adviser at UMi, added: “The Business Growth Fund was established to support business growth by helping companies expand or establish new operations in the North East and Kasai is a perfect example of that.
“By providing it with the funding required to avoid high-cost equipment replacement, and invest in new lower cost technology, it will provide the company with space to grow, help reduce emissions and provide a better, healthier environment for its workforce.
“It is a real success story for UK manufacturing and hopefully the best is still yet to come.”
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