MANUFACTURING is a cornerstone of our regional economy – employing tens of thousands.

Having factories that make things is vital. Having factories with research and design departments is even better.

So it was heartening to hear train builder Hitachi announce yesterday that its European design office will be based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The number of designers it will employ is fairly modest, but the decision is hugely significant. It will give the plant, and its 700 factory floor workers, much greater control over their own destiny.

When the Aycliffe plant bids for contracts it will be able to say it possesses the skills to both design how the inside of the carriages will look and also to build the train itself. This could be the key to its long-term success.

When The Northern Echo backed the campaign to bring train building to Aycliffe critics sniped that the proposed plant would be little more than a giant Meccano set, shipping all of its parts from abroad for workers to assemble. But Hitachi has already awarded contracts to local manufacturers. Romag of Leadgate, near Consett, for example, is making 13,514 train windows for the inter-city trains Hitachi will start making from 2016.

Our region forged a global reputation for making things. It should never be forgotten that we are also great innovators who design groundbreaking products. Let us hope the Hitachi factory and its suppliers continue that proud tradition for decades to come.