SPORTSWEAR giant Nike has unveiled plans to move its UK headquarters to the North East.
The US firm already has an office on the Doxford International business park in Sunderland.
Now the Oregon-based company is set to take over a new two-storey office block being built nearby.
Nike spokesman Jim Allaker said: "Nike has been bas
ed in the north east ever since the company first came to the UK, and we are very proud of our heritage and the work we do in the community there.
"The new office on Doxford Business Park will, in combination with our office in London, enable us to continue the fantastic growth we have experienced as a brand in the UK."
The move to the new building is part of a reorganisation of Nike's UK operation, which had sparked rumours the company was set to quit Wearside.
Instead, a number of roles will move from the company's European HQ near Amsterdam to Doxford, while others will swap Sunderland for a new London office.
There is no news yet of any more jobs for Wearside, but the new development will have room for almost double the 100-plus staff employed at Nike's current site.
The company has recently completed the takeover of Manchester-based Umbro.
Plans for the new office were given the thumbs-up at a planning meeting last month.
City council chief executive Ged Fitzgerald said: "We are absolutely delighted that Nike has chosen a new headquarters on Doxford Park.
"We have worked closely with the firm on this project over recent months and it is a testament to the city and its people that Nike continues to choose Sunderland.
"Again, this decision confirms that Sunderland is the best location for blue-chip companies such as Nike."
Mick Thurlbeck, Sunderland committee chairman for the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Once again, it is good news for Sunderland."
"It demonstrates the ambition of both Sunderland's partners and the city council to attract and maintain high-profile businesses within the city."
The full article contains 347 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
