Chamber welcomes new train deal for Hitachi in partnership with regional operator Lumo
Date published:
Commenting on today’s announcement confirming new train orders for Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe site in County Durham, Rhiannon Bearne, deputy chief executive and director of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce said:
“Today’s announcement that the immediate future of Hitachi and its North East workforce is secure is good news for North East. This is an example of the power of partnership – of businesses and government working together to maximise investment and opportunity for our region. The vital role of local train operator and Chamber partner Lumo in securing the plants’ future shows what the region does best – collaborating to maximise our strengths and deliver national industrial impact. At the North East Chamber of Commerce we are delighted to see our two members working so closely on plans for a positive future.
The safeguarding of 750 high skilled jobs in the region is very welcome. The announcement also delivers certainty and confidence to the many businesses, large and small, across Hitachi’s supply chain. That will have an important economic dividend for our members across a number of sectors here in the North East.
At the Chamber of Commerce we have consistently called for a long-term plan for infrastructure alongside investment in critical transport projects for our region. Today’s announcement by Hitachi working in partnership with the train operator Lumo is a powerful example of how investment in the North East is a down payment on the UK’s prosperity and success.