HITACHI Rail Europe has revealed its exhaust supplier for its trains on the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).

The company says Eminox will make exhaust systems for its new East Coast and Great Western Main Line Class 800 series trains, which will operate from 2017.

After securing the IEP contract, Hitachi has been approached by about 900 companies, mainly from the UK, who want to be involved in supplying its plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Construction of the £82m factory starts in the new year.

Jamie Foster, Hitachi Rail Europe's procurement director, said: “We are already working with a large number of UK suppliers on the new Class 800 series trains and I'm pleased Eminox is to become another partner.

“Ensuring that our trains and their engines are as clean, efficient and environmentally friendly as possible is very important to us.

“Eminox demonstrated they had considerable experience of supplying similar systems to the rail sector and have successfully delivered the high standards we're looking for.”

Eminox, based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, is part of the Hexadex Group, employs more than 200 people and has an annual turnover of about £35m.