Responding to today’s news that the Department for Transport (DfT) has signed the deal with Hitachi Rail Europe which will bring a high tech rail assembly plant to Newton Aycliffe the Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Simon Henig, said:
“This is a hugely significant moment for County Durham. Rail manufacturing is coming home, returning to where it all began and to the people who played such a key role in its history.
“It gives me great pleasure to know that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of our younger residents in particular now have fresh hope for careers in manufacturing and engineering for the foreseeable future.
“I have no doubt at all that Hitachi will have much to benefit from choosing Newton Aycliffe for its base.
“As a council it is our pledge to do everything possible to continue to attract, retain and support business and job creation in County Durham. Hitachi has today played an important role in ensuring the world is looking at our county and we will make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Working with partners including Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson and site owners Merchant Place Developments, the council played a significant role in bringing Hitachi to Newton Aycliffe.
The authority’s Leader, Cllr Simon Henig, formed part of the influential group which successfully lobbied the DfT to progress the production of the next generation of passenger trains with Hitachi Rail Europe.
Since then Business Durham, the council’s business arm, has supported and organised an event hosted by the Xcel Centre attended by more than 1,500 people interested in being part of the fit out and supply chain linked to the Hitachi development.
Via Business Durham, the council subsequently worked with Hitachi and Merchant Place Developments to host the second open day event on June 28, again at the Xcel Centre, focussing upon the construction aspects of the project. Business Durham is also liaising with local employers and training providers to encourage the establishment of engineering facilities to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s workforce.
Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Cllr Neil Foster, said: “As a council we aim to be the most business friendly local authority, offering a range of advice and practical support, backed up by an experienced and dedicated business team.
“The signing of the contract with Hitachi is the beginning of a very significant time for County Durham. Aycliffe is the second largest industrial estate in the North East and a focal point for engineering based manufacturing.
“Hitachi adds significant value to that offer and underlines the importance of south west Durham to the county’s economic prospects.”
Stewarts Watkins, managing director of the council’s business arm, Business Durham, said: “Hitachi is renowned for extremely high standards in design and manufacturing.
“The company’s presence in Newton Aycliffe will therefore raise the bar on standards and the aspirations of local people who will have a key role to play in the supply of goods and services as well as the workforce.
“It is through opportunities like this that we get to showcase what we can offer on a global stage.
“The 200 construction jobs and up to 730 assembly plant posts which will be created directly by Hitachi are just the start of a ripple effect throughout the local and regional economy.
“I would expect everyone including local shops and services and regional ports and airports, to benefit when the plant opens.”
