Uncertainty had surrounded the future of the Newton Aycliffe plant and the 700 people employed there.
Fourteen new trains are to be built at a Hitachi plant in County Durham, securing hundreds of jobs. The plan safeguards 700 jobs with a £500m investment for the Newton Aycliffe site. The plant and its workers had faced an uncertain future with an upcoming gap in its order book before work begins on HS2 trains.
Jim Brewin, UK and Ireland chief director for Hitachi Rail, said the contract was 'a positive step forward' and 'just recognition for the hard work and patience of our teams'. He thanked local MPs and North East mayor Kim McGuinness, saying they had 'worked tirelessly in support of this private sector investment'. Angel Trains added it was the first announcement of its kind in six years.
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