Hitachi Rail Europe shows its firm support for East of England suppliers in building new Class 800/801 trains

London, September 8, 2014 – Hitachi Rail Europe Ltd. today announced that it is working with over 30 UK suppliers to build trains for the first phase of the train delivery for the Government’s Intercity Express Programme.

Of those parts, systems and operations that Hitachi Rail Europe could have sourced from the UK for the new trains, 72% have indeed been purchased from UK-based businesses.

This includes luggage racks and stacks from Cambridge-based Lordgate Engineering Ltd, jumper cable systems from LPA Niphan, located in Essex, signalling services from Radlett-based Signalling Solutions, and partitions from TRB Lightweight Structures, located in Cambridge.

The confirmation comes as the rolling stock provider published a map highlighting the locations of its various manufacturers across the UK. It shows that the company’s supply chain is drawn from many different regions, including six businesses from the East Midlands, four businesses from the North West, and three from Yorkshire and the Humber.

Today’s announcement cements the company’s commitment to supporting UK businesses and developing the rail supply chain. Following the announcement earlier this year that Hitachi Rail would be moving its global HQ to London, this is another sign of its confidence in the growing UK rail sector.

Jamie Foster, Procurement Director at Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “We are delighted to be working with so many suppliers from across the UK in building our new Class 800 series trains for the Intercity Express Programme. Given the high requirements for quality and reliability in our trains, we were keen to work with companies that share our values in this regard. As the first three pre-series trains are now being manufactured in our factory, I cannot emphasise enough the high quality and quantity of services our suppliers have provided on the project thus far. We hope to continue working closely with each of them across the rest of the manufacturing and delivery schedule.”

Representative from TRB Lightweight Structures, said: “We're pleased to be part of a project that is so important to the UK and we're thrilled to be partnered with a company like Hitachi, who share our commitment to employee development and continual improvement. Confidence in the UK's ability to manufacture excellent products will inspire further investment from international organisations. This contract places TRB at the centre of this resurgence and should create additional opportunities for our company to contribute solutions for global lightweight transit.”

Paul Bright, Operations Director at Lordgate Engineering Ltd, said: “Lordgate Engineering Limited is delighted to have signed the contract agreements with Hitachi Rail Europe and we look forward to having the opportunity to establish a long-term supply relationship for many years to come.

“I am grateful for the commitment Hitachi Rail Europe has demonstrated by awarding these contracts to our company; to do so sends a clear message that UK companies have the capacity to successfully secure business in today’s global market place.”

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