Nissan are a global automotive supplier with manufacturing plants worldwide. The NMUK plant based in Washington in the North East of England was opened in 1986 and originally produced the bluebird model. In 1990 the bluebird was superceded by the primera and in 1992 a second model was introduced in the form of the micra. The micra was an instant success and was voted European car of the year in 1993.

In 2000 NMUK became a three car facility for the first time with the introduction of the Almera to be built alongside the two existing models.

In 2002 NMUK won the contract to build the revised micra and production began in November of that year.

In 2003 it was announced that NMUK had won the contract to build the coupe/cabriolet edition of the micra with production to begin in late 2005.

In 2004 NMUK announced it had won the contract to build the note 5-door hatchback and also the production version of the qashqia concept car this increased production will result in NMUK producing over 400,000 vehicles annually by 2007.

Vantec have had a long and successful relationship with NMUK stretching back 15 years, having originally been established in 1990 to provide warehousing services for the plant. In 1991 Vantec increased it's services with NMUK with the introduction of a rework and inspection department on Vantec site. This was followed in 1992 with the introduction of an onsite rework and inspection facility on NMUK's site. In 2000 Vantec expanded its facility by 54,000 sq feet in preparation for the launch of NMUK's third model the almera. In 2004 Vantec successfully tendered for the onsite back loading contract at NMUK. This increased the Vantec headcount onsite at NMUK to a total of 49 permanent staff and 60-120 temporary workers depending on current work requirements, taking the total Vantec headcount involved in the NMUK operation to in excess of 200 employees.