Newton Aycliffe
New welding facility is operating at Hitachi Rail‘s Newton Aycliffe factory, with work starting on the first Avanti West Coast trains.
WELDING of new-build trains has begun at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory, with work under way on the first Avanti West Coast trains.
Forty new jobs have been created following an £8.5 million investment in a bespoke welding and painting facility at the County Durham site, taking the overall investment in the factory to £110m. The company confirmed that more than 230 vehicles will be welded at the site.
“The £110m we have now invested at Newton Aycliffe is not only a sign of our continued commitment to the North East of England, but also British manufacturing and its supply chain,” said Jim Brewin, Head of UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail.
The manufacturer said in a statement that expansion of the factory’s capabilities will make it more globally competitive, with the capacity to export a wide range of products including metros, commuter and high-speed trains.
Target markets include northern Europe and the Middle East, with the company’s growing developments in battery trains set to offer further opportunities.
The new facilities will be used for the Avanti West Coast Class 805 bi-modes, Class 807 electric multiple units, and East Midlands Railway Class 810 bi-modes.
“It is fitting that Hitachi Rail is building the next generation of inter-city trains in County Durham, a place with a proud and illustrious railway heritage,” said Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps.
“The long-term commitment and continued investment in the North East is a major boost for jobs and skills, driving economic growth and helping levelling up our country as we build back better from the pandemic.”