38 AND OUT FOR NISSAN MAN
Auto Express|May 03, 2023
As he retires after a career spanning five decades, Senior vice president Kevin Fitzpatrick tells us about his life with Nissan
Tristan Shale-Hester
38 AND OUT FOR NISSAN MAN

WHEN we speak to Kevin Fitzpatrick, he admits he’s alt feeling a little worse for wear from his retirement do the previous night. But no one can begrudge him that, because this is a man whose retirement has been very well earned.

Anyone who has visited Nissan’s plant in Sunderland officially titled Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, or NMUK for short will know that the sheer scale of the site, where around 6,000 people are employed, is breathtaking.

That certainly wasn’t the case, however, when Kevin joined Nissan 38 years ago. He was one of the original 22 supervisors hired in preparation for the Bluebird going into production at the still-to-be-constructed site.

As a result, Kevin’s career charts the history of a factory that has become one of the UK automotive industry’s biggest success stories. As he finally retires from the company he’s given so much of his life to, we’re taking the opportunity to catch up with him.

“I'd just turned 25 back in 1985,” Kevin tells us. Previous to that, I’d worked for two other companies, both of which were in the declining traditional industries. The North East was being particularly hard hit with the closure of heavy industries, and coal mining was also being affected, so seeing a green-field site development by a big, global player at that stage of my career was an opportunity.

“I didn’t think I’d get the job because wasn’t experienced in car manufacturing and wasn’t very old,” he says. So to get it was unbelievable for me and obviously it was an opportunity wasn’t going to let slip by.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 03, 2023 من Auto Express.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 03, 2023 من Auto Express.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من AUTO EXPRESS مشاهدة الكل
BEST SPORTS CAR 4X4s
Auto Express

BEST SPORTS CAR 4X4s

Banish the winter blues with these 4WD stunners guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face and keep you on the move

time-read
6 mins  |
October 23, 2024
BEST USED CARS FOR SNOW
Auto Express

BEST USED CARS FOR SNOW

If you need a vehicle for snowy conditions but don't have the budget to run to a new one, there are plenty of excellent second-hand choices out there

time-read
6 mins  |
October 23, 2024
HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW
Auto Express

HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW

Heavy snow presents unique challenges. You don't have to be a wizard in a blizzard, but it's worth following some simple rules

time-read
2 mins  |
October 23, 2024
WHAT IS AQUAPLANING AND HOW TO AVOID IT
Auto Express

WHAT IS AQUAPLANING AND HOW TO AVOID IT

Aquaplaning is a frightening experience, but following our top tips can cut the risk of it happening to you

time-read
3 mins  |
October 23, 2024
HOW TO DRIVE ON ICE
Auto Express

HOW TO DRIVE ON ICE

When the roads get really slippery, it's vital to know how to react. Here's what you need to know

time-read
4 mins  |
October 23, 2024
HOW TO DRIVE IN FLOOD WATER
Auto Express

HOW TO DRIVE IN FLOOD WATER

Heavy rain anb beep floob water can be hazarbous if motorists bon't take the right precautions. Here's how to brive safely in sobben conbitions

time-read
2 mins  |
October 23, 2024
SMART #1
Auto Express

SMART #1

Life with the first car from the reborn Smart brand has been a bit hit and miss so far

time-read
3 mins  |
October 23, 2024
DIFFERENT STROKES
Auto Express

DIFFERENT STROKES

The new Toyota Prius is a PHEV, while Mazda's MX-30 R-EV is a rotary-engined range extender. Which takes charge here?

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 23, 2024
Porsche Panamer a GTS
Auto Express

Porsche Panamer a GTS

FIRST DRIVE The latest luxury flagship might fly in the face of Porsche's electrified future, but it's a terrific performer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Omoda E5
Auto Express

Omoda E5

FIRST DRIVE It's no class leader, but the all-electric E5 proves beyond doubt that Omoda is going to be a brand to watch

time-read
4 mins  |
October 23, 2024