Production of five electric trains has begun today, signalling the start of a new phase of manufacturing at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory.
The construction of the new intercity trains for the open access operator (East Coast Trains) incorporates a more extensive manufacturing programme than previous fleets. The increased scope will see the highly skilled workforce create a new fleet from empty aluminium shells.
Despite the impact of Covid-19, Hitachi Rail has continued to work diligently and safely in preparing the factory and is now ready to start manufacturing the order.
The five fully electric East Coast Trains – known in the rail industry as Class 803s – will begin carrying passengers between Edinburgh and London from autumn 2021, offering passengers a high quality, cost effective and more sustainable alternative to flying between two of the UK’s capital cities.
Trains will also travel entirely in electric mode, resulting in zero-emission intercity travel.
Hitachi Rail are due to build more intercity orders this year, which will benefit from their £8.5 million investment in welding and painting at the factory.
Ross Nagle, COO Rolling Stock UK at Hitachi Rail: “Building these East Coast Trains signifies a new and exciting chapter for Hitachi Rail’s UK factory.
“It is an important step as we increase our manufacturing capabilities and upskill our workforce at Newton Aycliffe, which includes a £8.5 m investment in new welding and painting facilities.
“The increased skills of our workforce makes us well placed to deliver a number of highly significant orders over the next 12 months, and consolidate our place as a strategic North East manufacturing hub.”
Helen Wylde, managing director at East Coast Trains: “It’s great to see our new 100% electric trains being assembled by the skilled team at Newton Aycliffe.
“We are delighted that these trains will be at the cutting-edge of low-emission rail transport, underlining the benefits of using our rail service for travel between the two capital cities.”
Hitachi Rail www.hitachirail.com
