20.01.15
Hitachi training carriage for Newton Aycliffe arrives in UK
A training carriage for Hitachi Rail Europe’s plant in Newton Aycliffe has been unloaded at the Port of Tyne.
The part-assembled train carriage, which was built at Hitachi’s factory in Kasado, Japan, travelled 52 days and 12,880 nautical miles to reach the Port’s Höegh Northern Terminal.
Darren Cumner, manufacturing plant manager at Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “The arrival of the training carriage is a significant step for Hitachi Rail Europe’s plans to train our manufacturing staff.
“Apprentices, technicians and engineers will use this train carriage to gain in-depth knowledge of how to build trains. Shipping this carriage via the Port of Tyne is further testament to our commitment to working with local partners and promoting a strong local supply chain.”
The 26m-long carriage will be stored at the Höegh Northern Terminal; one of three car terminals at the Port of Tyne, until it is transported to Hitachi’s training facility.
Andrew Moffat, chief executive officer for the Port of Tyne, said that the port has been working with Hitachi Rail, Höegh and NSA UK Ltd to ensure that the “shipment goes smoothly”.
Earlier this month, Hitachi also announced that shipment of the first completed pre-series Class 800 train for the Department for Transport’s Intercity Express Programme (IEP) has begun. The train is expected in the UK in March.
(Images: c. Hitachi)
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