THE man who was instrumental in securing the future of thousands of motor manufacturing jobs is to retire.

John Cushnaghan has decided to take early retirement from his role as managing director of the Nissan car plant in Sunderland.

His successor, deputy managing director Colin Dodge, will take over the reins from May 1.

Mr Cushnaghan, 57, joined Nissan in 1984 as production director and played a large part in establishing the Wearside plant.

The crowning glory of his achievements was seeing Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn and Prime Minister Tony Blair launch production of the new Micra.

Throughout his time with the company, Mr Cushnaghan was instrumental in the plant's development from a small manufacturing operation producing 5,000 cars a year, into one of Nissan's most important production facilities worldwide, responsible for building 300,000 vehicles each year for sale in 55 countries.

The commitment to excellence has seen Nissan Sunderland become the most productive car plant in Europe, an accolade it has held since 1996.

Mr Cushnaghan said: "I am very proud to have been a part of the great success story that Nissan in Sunderland represents.

Mr Dodge, 47, is one of NMUK's longest-serving members of staff, having joined the plant in 1984 as paint shop manager.

He said: "Increasing productivity is just one of many challenges lying ahead for the plant - as well as for me personally - but I am confident in the ability and determination of our workforce to deliver on all that is being asked of us."