Hitachi Rail / Amazon Park Open Day attracts 400 companies interested in getting involved in IEP trains

London and Durham, UK, 21 April, 2011 – More than 700 individuals representing over 400 companies are set to attend the first Open Day event for Hitachi Rail Europe’s Intercity Express Programme in the north east in late May, an event organized by County Durham Development Company on behalf of the involved parties.

The companies will be the first to learn about the new business opportunities presented by the construction of Hitachi’s new manufacturing plant in County Durham, the fit-out phase and the manufacture of the UK’s next generation of passenger trains. There will be millions of pounds worth of supply chain opportunities when work starts on the factory next year and when manufacturing of the next generation of Hitachi Super Express train begins.

The Hitachi Super Express trains, which will be used on the East Coast and the London – South Wales main lines, will be built in a new 450,000sq ft purpose-built factory at Newton Aycliffe. Hitachi’s rail deal, which was confirmed by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond in March, will create 500 direct jobs by 2015 and thousands more in the supply chain.

Hitachi Rail Europe, together with Durham County Council (DCC) and Merchant Place Developments (MPD) are hosting an open day on 26th May at the Xcel Centre, Newton Aycliffe to give potential suppliers to the programme an opportunity to hear more about the project. The open day will include presentations by Alistair Dormer of Hitachi Rail Europe, Cllr Neil Foster of DCC and Geoff Hunton from MPD – followed by an open Q&A session from the attendees.

So far, over 700 supplier company representatives have registered to attend and amongst them are many companies based in the North East of England, but the list also includes some international FTSE 100 companies.

Alistair Dormer, the managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe said “It is extremely encouraging to have this level of interest in the project, so early in the process. We are committed to using North-East suppliers wherever possible, and we want to start building the relationships and gaining a good understanding of the local businesses, what their strengths are and how we can work together with them.” 

Cllr Neil Foster, cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development, of Durham County Council, said: “This is an exciting chance for many companies in County Durham and the wider area to learn more detail about the business opportunities which this fantastic development in Newton Aycliffe can bring for them.”

“I am delighted that Hitachi is expressing its keenness to support local companies wherever possible and I know that the firm will be impressed with the range, professionalism and high standards of suppliers on their doorstep.”

Geoff Hunton, technical director of Merchant Place Development, the organisation that will be responsible for the building of the factory, said: “Amazon Park has the ability to give the regional economy a huge boost not only through the Hitachi project, but other occupiers that we are presently in discussion with as well. The number of companies that have registered on-line demonstrates the very wide range of skills and services available in the region and I am sure the number will continue to grow as we get closer to May 26.”

ENDS