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.
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
