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Hitachi grows production capacity with new £5m building in Newton Aycliffe

Hitachi’s manufacturing capacity in the UK has further expanded as the Japanese giant opened a new £5m building at its Newton Aycliffe factory, taking total investment in the site to over £100m.

The building, named ‘Aspire’ by staff following a competition, was opened by Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, who said: “The ripple effect of Hitachi’s investment is being felt across the north east, for every one job created by them an additional 1.5 are created nearby.

“I’ll be working hard to help Hitachi win more orders, which will not only support train building jobs, but also thousands more in the regional supply chain.”

Aspire is the latest addition to the Newton Aycliffe factory, opened in 2015 to help boost the company’s capacity in the country so that it could fulfil its jam-packed order book – starting with the £5.7bn Intercity Express Programme’s Azuma fleet for the East Coast Main Line.

As well as creating more than 700 permanent jobs at the factory, Hitachi also uses a British supply chain for its train parts, helping support local business as part of its commitment to the Northern Powerhouse and the government’s Industrial Strategy.

For example, 70% of parts are locally fitted for new intercity trains and are sourced within 40 miles of the factory. In 2017 alone, £20m was spent with regional suppliers; in total over the past few years, Hitachi has spent almost £630m using more than 1,000 British companies.

Ross Nagle, chief operating officer for manufacturing at the firm, said: “Our train building team are delivering truly world class trains to run across the country, and this new building is another step in Newton Aycliffe’s development.

“We are proud add a new chapter to the region’s rail heritage and seeing our long-term investment making a real impact to manufacturing in the north.”

To discuss this and other major rail investments taking place across the Northern Powerhouse—as well as the opportunities for the supply chain—make sure to attend TransCityRail on 4 October at Manchester’s Principal Hotel.