Superstars in British Sign Language: Nissan Sunderland Paint Shop Workers’ Inspiring Efforts to Boost Inclusivity

At the heart of every car that rolls off the production line at Nissan Sunderland Plant is an extraordinary commitment to teamwork. But what happens when some members of the team are deaf, making it harder to connect with colleagues and contribute fully?

In the fast-paced environment of the Bumper Paint Shop, where a new car is processed almost every two minutes, clear communication isn't just important – it's essential. So when four colleagues with hearing impairments found themselves missing out on vital interactions, their fellow team members took action in a way that has inspired the entire plant. They didn't just make adjustments – they learned British Sign Language.

Peter Haydon

Peter Haydon, a Senior Supervisor leading the Bumper Paint zone, was one of the ten team members who stepped up, committing to an 11-week course provided by Nissan. "Some of our team have hearing impairments, which made communication a challenge for our supervisors and our team on the production line," Peter explains.

"More than anything else, we want all our people to feel included and part of the team, so we carried out a full review, and one thing that everyone wanted to do was learn to sign."

Learning British Sign Language was challenging at first, demanding focus and perseverance. However, the team's determination paid off. "By week six, we started to get the hang of it," Peter recalls. "It's been inspiring to see members of the team who went on the course teach others in the shop how to sign."

Michael Connelly

For Michael Connelly, one of the deaf operators in the team, the impact has been profound. "In the past, there was a breakdown in communication due to a language barrier. That barrier has now been removed," he says. "Morale among the team is much improved, and it's been fantastic to see the team so enthusiastic about learning British Sign Language."

Michael Jude

Michael Jude, HR director at Nissan Sunderland Plant, sees this as more than just a communication initiative – it's a powerful demonstration of the plant's core values. "This team didn't just make adjustments, they went a step further. It's a fantastic example of our people pulling together and going that extra mile to support each other. And we're proud to have helped by providing the training."

The initiative has improved day-to-day operations, and as well as learning to sign, the zone has overhauled activities such as training, meetings and briefings using visual aids.

Creating an inclusive team where everyone feels valued requires collective effort, and the Bumper Paint team has brilliantly demonstrated this. Their dedication embodies the spirit of DEI that Nissan champions across the AMIEO region.

Nissan Sunderland Plant is also home of Nissan's blueprint for future manufacturing, the EV36Zero hub.

Inspired by the solidarity and dedication shown by our Bumper Paint workers, and want to become part of the team? Click here: https://www.nissan.co.uk/nissan-careers.html.