Hitachi’s new train manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe officially opens

Up to 700 direct jobs will be created after Hitachi opened its new £82m Newton Aycliffe facility. The new factory, the company’s first in Europe, willbuild the next generation of trains for the East Coast and Great Western main lines, as well as the Scottish commuter trains.

The first train to be manufactured at the new facility will enter passenger service on the Great Western line in 2017, while passengers on the East Coast will be able to enjoy their first new vehicles in 2018.

Hitachi’s £82m investment was supported by a £4m grant from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to help build the factory. Beside the direct jobs it will create, the new facility is likely to generate thousands more down the supply line.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This massive investment from Hitatchi shows confidence in the strength of Britain’s growing economy.

"This new train factory 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."

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