A TRAIN builder is pushing ahead to quadruple its workforce as production draws nearer.

Hitachi Rail Europe aims to have 400 people on board by Easter next year to strengthen operations at its factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Darren Cumner, Aycliffe plant manager, told The Northern Echo he expects its existing 125-strong team to grow to about 200 by Christmas, and be doubled again by spring 2016.

The firm will eventually employ 730 staff at its £82m plant, which officially opened earlier this month to celebrations led by Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne.

The factory will make intercity trains for the East Coast and Great Western lines, as well as commuter trains for Scotland, with manufacturing expected to start in November.

However, Mr Cumner said while the fanfare over the plant’s unveiling was enjoyable, the focus is now on seeing its production lines hum with activity.

He said: “We are not here to build a factory; we are here to build trains.

“The first materials are starting to come on site and we are getting things ready.

“We have about 125 people now and should be close to 200 by Christmas and about 400 by Easter.

“By the middle of next year we expect to be in full production and making one train a week.”

Hitachi’s factory was built by local hands, with many contracts coming from companies in the region.

Aycliffe’s Finley Structures made the plant’s steel frame, while Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture and Durham City’s TGA Consulting Engineers worked on detailed plans for the site.

South Durham Draughting, in South Church, Bishop Auckland, provided CAD drawing, and Hall Construction, in Rushyford, near Aycliffe, was responsible for shifting earth.

Mr Cumner added: “We are happy with the building process and happy so many of the people involved were in the local supply chain.”

The Japanese company's models will enter service on the Great Western Main Line, which runs via Bristol to south Wales, in late 2017, and the East Coast Main Line, which connects the North-East to Scotland and London, the following year.

Its Scottish trains, known as AT200s, are due to start running from late 2017 on electrified lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as routes covering Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane.