WITH the news coming yesterday that Hitachi's factory in Newton Aycliffe has secured a £2bn contract to build 54 HS2 trains in the coming years, we look inside the factory that will produce the new vehicles. 

The first train is expected to roll off the production line around 2027. Following a rigorous process of testing and commissioning, the first passengers are expected to benefit from the Newton Aycliffe built trains between 2029 and 2033.

Hitachi Rail recently invested £8.5m in a bespoke welding and painting facilities at its Newton Aycliffe factory, taking its total investment up to £110m.

Read more: Hundreds of jobs to be created as Newton Aycliffe gets HS2 green light

The site, which opened in 2015 and employs around 700 staff, was a major boost for manufacturing in the region and returned train building to the North East. The new welding facility will carry out vehicle body assembly and fit out, before each one is transported to the East Midlands.

Here are some of the images of the first look inside the Hitachi factory since the "transformative" HS2 plans were unveiled, as HS2 chief executive officer, Mark Thurston, visited the facility yesterday:

The Northern Echo: A Hitachi staff member welding one of the train floors inside the factory. Picture: HS2.A Hitachi staff member welding one of the train floors inside the factory. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: Between now and 2027, 54 trains will be rolled out of the Newton Aycliffe factory. Picture: HS2.Between now and 2027, 54 trains will be rolled out of the Newton Aycliffe factory. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: HS2 chief executive officers, Mark Thurston, speaks to Hitachi workers yesterday. Picture: HS2.HS2 chief executive officers, Mark Thurston, speaks to Hitachi workers yesterday. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: A Hitachi team member threads wires on a train yesterday. Picture: HS2.A Hitachi team member threads wires on a train yesterday. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: Already, Hitachi has seen £110m worth of investment in the factory since it opened in 2015. Picture: HS2.Already, Hitachi has seen £110m worth of investment in the factory since it opened in 2015. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: Mark Thurston asks about the roles and staffing at Hitachi. Picture: HS2.Mark Thurston asks about the roles and staffing at Hitachi. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: This £2bn deal will see trains assembled in Newton Aycliffe, before they go to Derby and Crewe for further work. Picture: HS2.This £2bn deal will see trains assembled in Newton Aycliffe, before they go to Derby and Crewe for further work. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: Hitachi are hoping to increase their 700-strong workforce after yesterday's announcement. Picture: HS2.Hitachi are hoping to increase their 700-strong workforce after yesterday's announcement. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: Work has already begun on non-HS2 trains in Newton Aycliffe. Picture: HS2.Work has already begun on non-HS2 trains in Newton Aycliffe. Picture: HS2.

The Northern Echo: Mark Thurston was scheduled to be joined by Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, who was self-isolating. Picture: HS2.Mark Thurston was scheduled to be joined by Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, who was self-isolating. Picture: HS2.

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