Unite welcomes support for UK train manufacturing

2 March 2011

Confirmation that the Hitachi 'Agility Trains' will be built as part of the new £4.5 billion 'Intercity Express Programme' has been welcomed by Unite.

This long awaited announcement is good news for passengers, UK train manufacturing and the North East where a European train manufacturing facility will be established in Newton Aycliffe.

Bob Rixham Unite National Officer said: "The establishment of a second major train builder in the UK means we can look forward to reversing a trend that has seen half of orders for domestic rolling stock being placed abroad.

“Hitachi is in the business to export UK built trains into Europe. This will provide a major boost to manufacturing but also the supply chain industry. Unite played a lead role in a campaign which delivered a petition of over 10,000 signatures from the North East in support of Hitachi's bid."

Unite's campaign for trains to be built in the UK continues on Monday 7 March when a delegation from Unite, including union representatives from the Derby based Bombardier train manufacturing facility, will press for the Thameslink contract.

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