In a surprise development, train manufacturer Hitachi has announced that it is to transfer its entire international rail division from Japan to London. The move, which is due to start taking place this spring, is a major vote of confidence for the UK rail industry and its supply chain, which is expected to benefit hugely. The Japanese giant is believed by many in the industry to have made the move from Tokyo in a pre-emptive bid to win the £7billion contract to build trains for HS2. Even if that gamble doesn't pay off, the company has placed itself geographically closer to its main rivals in mainland Europe, particularly Siemens and Alstom, thus improving its chances of bidding for contracts from European railways. Hitachi has already stated that its new Darlington area factory would be able to assemble trains for the European market as well as the domestic one, but political observers warned that the company's commitment could be put at risk if Britain were to leave the European Union.
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