Hitachi and Bombardier react to green light of HS2 by Boris Johnson

Bombardier and Hitachi, who have submitted a joint bid to manufacture rolling stock for HS2, have reacted to the approval of HS2 by the Government.

In a joint statement, Matt Byrne, president of Bombardier Transportation UK and Jim Brewin, UK country lead at Hitachi Rail, said: "This decision is a symbol of confidence in UK plc and great news for the whole country. As Britain’s biggest train manufacturers, we’re excited to continue our joint bid to design and build the Great British train here in the UK.

"It would support thousands of manufacturing and supply chain jobs and unite the Midlands and the North. It’s time to work together to deliver the full benefits of HS2."

Hitachi and Bombardier are working together to submit a ‘Great British’ train proposal for HS2 that hopes to be the most advanced, customer-oriented train ever to run in the UK.

The contract, worth £2.75 billion, is to design, build and maintain at least 54 trains for phase one of HS2. Hitachi has pioneered Japan’s world-renowned Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’, while Bombardier offers a depth of international experience from its high speed trains operating in Europe and on the world’s largest network in China.

Hitachi has confirmed the contract would use existing UK facilities of the two companies to manufacture the trains. Bombardier and Hitachi’s combined UK operations currently employ around 7,000 people, including train factories in Derby, Newton Aycliffe and Crewe, extensive regional supply chains.

Hitachi claims the proposal with Bombardier would the best choice for UK supply chains.

Hitachi www.hitachirail.com

Bombardier www.rail.bombardier.com