Hitachi is here for the long term

摘要

Giving evidence to the Commons Transport Committee on September 7, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond indicated that the government sees Hitachi as a long-term player in the UK rail industry. Challenged on the possible closure of Bombardier's Derby works following the award of the Thameslink order to Siemens, the Transport Secretary explained that his 'job' was to ensure that the long-term best interest of the UK railway was served. In this context, he would like to see 'a viable train-building industry' remaining in the UK. Hammond added 'fortunately, we know that that will happen' because of Hitachi's commitment under the Intercity Express Programme to construct 'a train-building plant in Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, which will have 600 direct employees'. Ideally, Hammond would like to see 'genuine competition' for future rolling stock orders 'between British-based manufacturers'. This would provide the benefits of competitive procurement, while government could still hope to see the orders 'executed in the UK because there is more than one domestic manufacturer bidding'.