Hitachi Rail has opened a rail manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, UK, to manufacture InterCity Express (IEP) trains.
The £82m rail vehicle manufacturing facility is Hitachi’s first in Europe, and is the result of a £5.7bn Intercity Express contract awarded by the UK Government to the manufacturer a few years ago.
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Hitachi will build the electric Class 800/801 trains to replace InterCity 125 fleet on the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line. AT200 commuter trains will also be manufactured for Scotland.
Hitachi Rail Europe managing director Karen Boswell said: "In our world-class facility, we will combine the best of Japanese technology with the best of UK manufacturing to make the best trains for the UK and the world.
"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."
Creating more than 700 jobs, the manufacturing plant is expected to support the government’s Northern Powerhouse economic growth plan for the region.
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By GlobalDataChancellor of the exchequer George Osborne said: "Today, we see a major boost for the UK with Hitachi investing millions in returning train manufacturing to the North East.
"This state-of-the-art facility will grow and secure jobs for decades to come and will help us to build the Northern Powerhouse, while at the same time revitalising one of our oldest industries in the region within which this tradition is synonymous."
The first trains from the facility will enter service on the Great Western line in 2017, and on the East Coast in 2018.
Prime Minister David Cameron who attended the plant opening ceremony said: "This new train facility will not only provide good jobs for working people but will build the next-generation of intercity trains, improving travel for commuters and families, as well as strengthening the infrastructure we need to help the UK grow."
Image: The facility will manufacture Class 800/801 tains. Photo: courtesy of Hitachi.
