Nissan Kyushu seeks to recruit 1,000 new workers as they prepare for a significant increase in production, following the transfer of vehicle production from the Oppama factory.
Nissan's production subsidiary, Nissan Kyushu, is under pressure to recruit 1,000 new workers as it prepares to ramp up its production capacity from approximately 300,000 to 500,000 vehicles by the end of fiscal year 2025. This strategic shift comes amidst a backdrop of significant layoffs across the Nissan group worldwide, impacting around 20,000 employees. President Shunsuke Ashizawa emphasized the urgent need for workforce expansion and production line upgrades to meet the ambitious target within a tight two-year timeframe.
In addition to workforce recruitment, Nissan Kyushu is focused on upgrading its production lines while maintaining ongoing operations. This involves coordinating with component suppliers to adjust their supply according to the planned increase in production. The transition involves the impending shift of manufacturing responsibilities from the Oppama factory in Kanagawa Prefecture to the facility in Fukuoka Prefecture, with the new production plan expected to include popular models such as the Nissan Note and the soon-to-be-released new SUV, the Kicks.
Current employees at the Oppama factory, numbering around 2,400, face crucial decisions regarding their future, including the possibility of transferring to Nissan Kyushu. The decision to relocate from the Kanto region to Kyushu is complicated, and discussions between labor and management are ongoing. The outcome remains uncertain as to how many employees will ultimately accept the transfer and support the production ramp-up.
