Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe will deliver 45 state-of-the-art battery hybrid carriages for Grand Central in 2028, it has been revealed, as part of a major multi-million-pound order from Arriva.
The nine new “tri-mode” trains are expected to create more than 400,000 seats for passengers travelling from our region to Yorkshire and the capital as the ORR approve track access rights expansions for Grand Central until 2038.
Ahead of the announcement, she said: “Just four months since the Prime Minister and I welcomed a significant deal for Hitachi and its workforce in Newton Aycliffe, this new £300m investment marks yet another step forward in securing the future of rail manufacturing in the North East.
“The landmark deal is proof that our Plan for Change is delivering results – creating the right environment for investment, which in turn supports high-skilled jobs, drives economic growth and delivers real improvement in people’s lives.
“Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and futureproof jobs here in Newton Aycliffe as we continue to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century.”
This latest deal for the factory comes months after The Northern Echo’s “Keep Hitachi on Track” campaign, backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer led to a landmark £500m deal.
In December, the factory secured a crucial order in December for new trains to be manufactured for open-access operators Lumo and Hull Trains, both part of FirstGroup.
But now, the factory will be at the helm of “pioneering technology” which will reportedly cut emissions and fuel consumption by around 30 per cent.
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, added: “I made it one of my first priorities as Mayor to secure the future of Hitachi in County Durham, and with that the jobs of hundreds of people who work at the Newton Aycliffe plant.
Recommended:
“Today’s announcement confirming a new £300m order by Arriva for state-of-the-art trains is just the latest sign we are succeeding.
“This is great news for Hitachi and its highly skilled workforce, showing there’s real confidence in advanced manufacturing in North East England.
“I’m so proud to say that in the very near future, the entire Grand Central fleet, which links Sunderland to York and London, will have been proudly built in our region.”
