Newton Aycliffe’s Hitachi Rail secures work on £2 billion HS2 contract

A North East trainbuilder will help make “Europe’s fastest” rolling stock after securing a £2 billion joint venture deal.

Hitachi Rail will assemble and fit out more than 50 all-electric HS2 trains from its factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The work, alongside partner Alstom, is expected to create and support more than 2500 jobs nationally, including a good number of new posts at Hitachi’s plant [pictured below] in the region.

Manufacturing work is expected to begin in 2025.

According to the terms of the deal, Hitachi’s Aycliffe plant will make rolling stock bodies, which will be moved to Alstom’s Derby factory for the installation of interiors and electrics and the fitting of bogies.

 

 

Bosses say the trains – which could hit speeds of up to 225 mph – are set to run on phase one of HS2 between London and Birmingham, as well as the existing rail network.

Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail group chief executive, said: “We are excited to be pioneering the next generation of high-speed rail in the UK.

“This British-built bullet train will be the fastest in Europe, and I am proud of the role we will play in helping to improve mobility in the UK through this project.”

Welcoming the news, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’ve been urging Government for months to bring construction of these trains to our region and I’m delighted Hitachi has been awarded this contract.

“This will allow the company to continue its world-renowned work for years to come.”

Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s managing director for UK and Ireland, added: “HS2 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st century.

“I am delighted Alstom’s joint venture with Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop, build and maintain in Britain the next generation of high-speed trains.”