THIRSK-based GSM Group has won a major contract to supply Nissan's Sunderland plant and its Spanish subsidiary with component labels, beating off competition from both European and UK-based label manufacturers.

The contract for two million labels per year bucks the trend of motor manufacturers sourcing outside the UK. Three new printing jobs will also be created within the group, which already employs more than 200 people, has 2,000 customers and exports to 14 countries.

GSM is Europe's leading manufacturer of labels and nameplates and apart from its base operation in North Yorkshire, also has factories in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Brecon, South Wales. The deal, which on paper is worth £250,000, is in fact worth around £1 million given that GSM is offering Renault-owned Nissan a larger package including its software and systems.

Barry Dodd GSM Group' s managing director, said: "I am delighted that we have won this contract despite the low Euro which is making competition tough for manufacturers in the UK, particularly in the automotive sector.

"Our technical flexibility and capability to provide a 'just in time' service were key."

The GSM Group is supplying Nissan with a wide variety of labels for a range of applications. The company has substantial experience in manufacturing labels that can withstand harsh industrial environments.