A CAR parts maker has spent £20m on new machinery as it bids to secure more European exports.

Unipres UK, in Sunderland, has bought press equipment, which is due to start work in December.

The presses will sit in a huge pit filled with 2,240 cubic metres of concrete, and bosses say it will take around 20 engineers working 35,000 hours to install them.

Japanese-owned Unipres supplies carmakers such as Sunderland-based Nissan, Renault and Honda.

It has been based on Wearside since 1987, and produces parts made from lightweight high tensile steel, which helps reduce emissions and boost fuel efficiency.

Referring to the investment, Gary Graham, managing director, said the move will create 16 new jobs, adding to its existing 1,100 workforce, while giving further scope to develop exports across Europe.

He said: “New business opportunities are part of our plans going forward and it’s important to continue to grow our markets, not just with Nissan and Honda in the UK, but with carmakers overseas.”

Since opening in the city, Unipres has invested more than £180n at its Cherry Blossom Way site, and now uses in excess of 500 tonnes of steel every day.

Councillor Harry Trueman, Sunderland City Council deputy leader, said the firm’s expansion proved the area’s strength in the automotive sector.

He added: “Unipres’ investment and job creation demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to Sunderland.

“The automotive sector is a key part of the city’s economy and this major installation shows the confidence there is now in the industry in Sunderland.”