An additional £ 8.5m has been spent in converting warehousing into bespoke welding and painting facilities on the site , as further evidence of the company ’ s long-term commitment to the North-East .
It means the plant will become a full-scope train builder , making its own high-tech aluminium carriage shells , instead of importing them . The new facilities will be used to build the next generation of intercity trains for East Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast , with the expansion of manufacturing capabilities making the factory globally competitive . The investment will also lead to 40 new roles and extensive upskilling of staff .
And , in a UK-first , Hitachi Rail has signed an exclusive agreement with Eversholt Rail , aimed at bringing battery power – and fuel savings of more than 20 per cent – to the modern Great Western Railway Intercity Express Trains , carrying passengers between Penzance and London .
The green experiment is further evidence of the pioneering spirit that attracted Ross to Hitachi four years ago and , despite all he has already achieved around the world , he is excited by what the future holds .
“ Everyone needs a purpose in life , and Hitachi helps me deliver on that purpose every day – through the wider impact
“ Everyone needs a purpose in life , and Hitachi helps me deliver on that purpose every day – through the wider impact we are having on society .”
– Ross Nagle
we are having on society ,” he says .
“ We do that by providing employment , supporting the supply chain , being part of the community , and investing in the latest transport technology that ’ s the backbone of industry .”
There ’ s a pause before Ross Nagle adds a final thought : “ Ultimately , when you boil it down , our job is all about connecting people .”
And , at the end of a year that has caused so much separation , that has never been more important .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 19