Aycliffe Today has covered every big event and story surrounding Hitachi’s new factory over the last three years.
Here’s a brief timeline of the key events:
Hitachi Open Day
28th June 2012
We featured interviews with Phil Wilson and Hitachi’s newly-appointed plant manager Darren Cumner from an open day at the Xcel Centre, as well as speeches from keynote speakers such as Keith Jordan and Merchant Place boss Geoff Hunton.
Hitachi deal signed
25th July 2012
Then transport secretary Justine Greening visited Newton Aycliffe to make the big announcement.
Aycliffe Today featured interviews with Alastair Dormer, Phil Wilson and Geoff Hunton.
Construction begins
1st November 2013
Business secretary Vince Cable and transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin visit Aycliffe as construction begins.
Construction ceremony
29th May 2014
A special ceremony to celebrate the construction of the steel by local family firm Finley Structures is held on site.
Topping out ceremony
30th October 2014
The media and guests get the first glimpse of inside the Hitachi factory as construction is completed with a “topping out” ceremony, and the fit out begins.
Opening ceremony
3rd September 2015
Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne visit Aycliffe for the high-profile opening ceremony.