Hitachi unveils first train assembled at new British facilityBy: Erin Johnson, Xiro Xone News December 9, 2016 Updated: 11:20 PM
Photo: AFP
Electronics company Hitachi unveiled the first train car to be assembled at there factory in northern Britain.
The new train showcased at the plant in Newton Aycliffe on Friday at a ceremony attended by British government officials and media. "Today is a celebration of the return of train manufacturing to the north east, supporting thousands of jobs and developing a strong engineering skills base in the region. "Trains running across the country's rail network will be built by a proud workforce harnessing the best of Hitachi's long-standing rail expertise,” said Karen Boswell, managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe. The train is one of 122 ordered by the government in a £5.7bn -$7.1bn deal to run on mainlines between London and the south-west and from the capital to Scotland on the east coast route. Chris Grayling British Transport Secretary in a statement said: “We are determined to take the big decisions for Britain and are investing record amounts to modernize the rail network, deliver better journeys for passengers and drive economic growth. “This first train to roll out of Hitachi's new factory in Newton Aycliffe shows we are open for business and will provide a real economic boost to the north east, not only by providing jobs but also by investing in the skills needed to provide the transport network our country needs for the future.” Hitachi executive Kentaro Masai said: “the success of the train will create new opportunities for the firm elsewhere in the country.” Hitachi's future plans is to win other contracts for major rail projects in Britain. |
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