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:
A Hitachi staff member welding one of the train floors inside the factory. Picture: HS2.
Between now and 2027, 54 trains will be rolled out of the Newton Aycliffe factory. Picture: HS2.
HS2 chief executive officers, Mark Thurston, speaks to Hitachi workers yesterday. Picture: HS2.
A Hitachi team member threads wires on a train yesterday. Picture: HS2.
Already, Hitachi has seen £110m worth of investment in the factory since it opened in 2015. Picture: HS2.
Mark Thurston asks about the roles and staffing at Hitachi. Picture: HS2.
This £2bn deal will see trains assembled in Newton Aycliffe, before they go to Derby and Crewe for further work. Picture: HS2.
Hitachi are hoping to increase their 700-strong workforce after yesterday's announcement. Picture: HS2.
Work has already begun on non-HS2 trains in Newton Aycliffe. Picture: HS2.
Mark Thurston was scheduled to be joined by Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, who was self-isolating. Picture: HS2.
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