ENGINEERING jobs will be created in the North-East after warehousing and transport company Vantec won a deal to support the expansion of Nissan’s plant in Russia.

The two-year contract starts next June and builds on the close ties between the two companies that have been fostered in this region.

Vantec’s warehouse, in Cherry Blossom Way, Sunderland, handles the storage and distribution of the car parts used at the nearby Nissan plant, as well as for Darlington engine maker Cummins and Komatsu, in Birtley.

The St Petersburg operation will have about 80 employees and Vantec is already carrying out project work ahead of the contract’s official start.

The contract will mean new engineering jobs and duties for the Sunderland operation of Vantec Europe, which employs about 829 workers in the North-East.

The deal follows Nissan’s announcement that it plans to double its manufacturing capacity in Russia to 100,000 vehicles by 2014.

Russia is Nissan’s largest single European market, with the Sunderland-built Qashqai a particular favourite in the country.

Martin Kendall, managing director of Vantec Europe, will be leading the new contract.

He said: “This is a very significant milestone for Vantec Europe, as we continue to grow our business not only here in the UK, but also within Europe.

“It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our workforce that we are now considered for this significant new business.

“Vantec is now the largest onsite supplier of warehousing and logistics to Nissan Manufacturing UK, and winning this new business increases our footprint within Europe.”

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Vantec’s rapid growth is great news for Sunderland and for the UK.

“The outstanding workforce at Washington is rightly praised for its commitment and ability to win significant new work.

“Nissan and Vantec are growing worldwide, which is already having a positive impact on their Sunderland operations.

“We are pleased to be closely involved with both companies and their ambitious plans for the future.”

Vantec is building a £22.5m warehouse in Sunderland that will create 230 jobs by 2015. The company has already announced 81 jobs this year through contract wins.