Driven by growing demand from rail manufacturers and operators, including Hitachi Rail, and following a recent production milestone, Turntide Technologies is expanding its high-voltage lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) rail battery manufacturing capability at its Sunderland facility.
The investment reflects the increasing global adoption of hybrid and tri-mode trains, which enable operators to run services across both electrified and non-electrified routes while cutting emissions and fuel consumption.
Turntide’s advanced high-voltage LFP battery systems are designed to improve operational efficiency, extend train range and support the rail sector’s transition towards zero-emission travel. The technology also helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels while delivering benefits for air quality and noise reduction.
The expanded production line in Sunderland will exclusively manufacture the company’s rail battery systems and marks a significant step forward for advanced manufacturing in the North East.
The batteries will play a key role in the delivery of Arriva’s new Grand Central fleet, currently being built by Hitachi Rail at its Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility in County Durham.
Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide, said:
“The global rail industry is moving quickly toward hybrid and tri-mode platforms as operators look for practical ways to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and extend the reach of electrified rail networks.
“Our continued collaboration with Hitachi Rail reflects the strength of this market demand and the confidence in Turntide’s high-voltage LFP battery technology.”
“Expanding production at Sunderland gives us the capacity, capability, and operational focus to support this next phase of growth while helping accelerate cleaner, more flexible rail transportation.”
The Sunderland site offers the manufacturing space and testing infrastructure required to support increasing demand for rail battery systems as operators seek practical decarbonisation solutions that avoid the high costs associated with full route electrification.
Oversight of the Sunderland facility and the production expansion will be led by Paul Turbitt, Senior Director of Strategic Operations at Turntide Technologies.
With hybrid and battery-assisted rail solutions becoming a central part of rail decarbonisation strategies worldwide, Turntide’s latest investment strengthens the North East’s position as a growing hub for rail innovation, battery technology and advanced manufacturing.
Image credit: Turntide Technologies
