“We have brought train design and manufacturing back home to its birthplace in the North East.
In our world-class facility we will combine the best of Japanese technology with the best of British manufacturing to make the best trains for Britain and the world.
It is our culture as a business to take a long-term view in everything we do. From our investment here in Newton Aycliffe, to our network of new train maintenance centres across the UK, to our ongoing work in building a strong regional supply chain – Hitachi is here to stay.”
Hitachi Rail Europe
Hitachi Rail Europe has chosen North East England to make a huge new investment into the latest generation of trains for the UK’s Intercity Express Programme – bringing train building back to our region. It will bring an £82m investment, hundreds of new jobs and the creation of a major supply chain.
Hitachi was drawn to North East England because of the presence of powerful existing investors, such as Nissan; and because of the regional business development ethos, professionalism and expert support of local contributory companies.
The Japanese giant’s rail vehicle manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe will build 122 high speed trains for the £5.7bn InterCity Express Project for the East Coast and Great Western mainlines.
North East England fought off stiff competition to secure Hitachi Rail Europe’s investment, meeting key criteria including transport links, labour availability, qualification for grant support, established training facilities and being in an industrial area with potential for a local supply base.