Hitachi Rail UK

Yesterday evening there was an SLS talk in the Mining Institute (NEIMME ) by Jim Brewin, Head of Business Development for Hitachi Rail UK.   He outlined Hitachi's plan for train construction at their Newton Aycliffe plant.

Also yesterday, Richard Branson was showing off Virgin's new Azuma (Hitachi AT300)
for the East Coast route, with Kings X to Waverley in 4 hours

The AT300 is one of four types which will be assembled at Hitachi's new UK plant.
AT300 for the UK are 25 kV AC with diesel engines for non electrified routes.

Inside the Newton Aycliffe factory - which directly employs 200,
to be increased to 1000 as the full product range develops

Hitachi class 385 (AT200) are being assembled at Newton Aycliffe
for ScotRail's Edinburgh to Glasgow & other services

Hitachi construct cars, IT equipment, medical equipment, etc.   Rail is a significant part of their manufacturing, with contracts which embody on time delivery, no cost to the customer until performance is satisfactory, & lifetime maintenance by Hitachi staff.   Hitachi also offer railway construction & control systems.   They have 3 other European plants, all in Italy, but have recently moved their global rail headquarters to London.   Altogether a strong railway package for the UK & NE England manufacturing.