Multi-million pound deal secured for Hitachi train factory in Newton Aycliffe

A multi-million pound deal has been secured to save the Hitachi train factory in Newton Aycliffe from closure.

The factory in County Durham employs 750 people and was facing a gap in orders, causing concerns over its future in the town.

The government has announced today (Friday 6 December) that it has struck a deal to build 14 state-of-the-art trains to be used on rail lines across the UK.

It is part of a £500m deal across the rest of Britain's railways.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal, struck with Angel Trains, FirstGroup and Hitachi, will save jobs and improve people's lives.

He said: "We helped secure a deal that will protect hundreds of jobs, keep this business ticking, and improve rail services.

"I made a promise to the workforce of the Newton Aycliffe factory and today, I'm delvering on that promise."

The town's local Labour MP, Alan Strickland, said: "I’m incredibly proud of the campaign to secure the future of Hitachi Newton Aycliffe.

"This has been my top priority, which I’ve been working tirelessly with our Labour Government and Labour Mayor to deliver. I’m delighted by the progress we’ve made and the difference this will make to my community."

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