Back on Track – Deal agreed to secure future of Hitachi and 750 jobs

While full details of the agreement will not be revealed until Friday, The Echo understands the jobs and livelihoods of the site’s 750 workers will be saved.

The train-building factory, which this newspaper campaigned to bring to County Durham 13 years ago, had been facing an uncertain future due to an impending gap in its order book.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh visit the Hitachi plant in Newton Aycliffe in April. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) The concerns prompted the re-launch of The Northern Echo’s Keep Hitachi on Track campaign in March, and the plight of the manufacturer became a major issue in the run-up to the July General Election, with several senior Labour politicians including Sir Keir Starmer and then Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh giving their support.

They claimed Hitachi’s future could be secured “with the stroke of a pen” by the Conservative government, but other than confirmation that talks were ongoing, no firm resolution appeared to be on the table.

It had been feared that last week’s resignation of Ms Haigh as Transport Secretary could slow down any agreement, but after months of campaigning by this paper amidst uncertainty – we can say it isn’t the end of the line for Hitachi.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh visit the Hitachi plant in Newton Aycliffe in April. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) Writing exclusively for The Northern Echo, Sir Keir confirmed that a deal has now been sealed, with full details to be announced tomorrow (December 6).

“In April, I visited the Hitachi manufacturing plant. I spoke to the workers there who were staring down the barrel of hundreds of devastating job losses,” said the Prime Minister.

“And I promised them that, if we were elected, a Labour government would work with them to secure their jobs and the future of the industry.

“It’s a promise I made not only to those workers but also to The Northern Echo, which has campaigned tirelessly. I meant that promise.

“Today, my Labour government will announce a deal that will secure the future of Newton Aycliffe, uplift our industrial heartlands, and boost rail services for passengers across the UK.”

The re-launch of the Keep Hitachi On Track campaign in March 2024. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) He added: “The success of our industrial heartlands is the success of our nation. So we’re revitalising our railway industry.

“Our trains used to be the envy of the world. We laid the tracks for others to follow. This government is going to return our railways to that golden era once more.

“We’re treating those who build our infrastructure with respect and putting the passengers who use it first.”

Reacting to the news, Alan Strickland, Member of Parliament for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor 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. 

“Where the Conservatives failed to act, Keir Starmer and Labour have led the fight for jobs at Hitachi.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has also expressed her delight at the news – praising the “powerful North East voice” of The Northern Echo and its readers.

The Northern Echo Keep Hitachi On Track Campaign. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) She said: “Immediately after the General Election I wrote to the Prime Minister with a set of asks to back North East workers and business. Hitachi was top of that list. 

“I’m pleased the Government has listened and recognises the importance of Hitachi to our region: not just the direct jobs, but the supply chains it supports and the massive potential to be a leader in the future of rail technology. 

“Today we can celebrate, and look to the future with optimism. We know there is still work to do but we are a powerful North East voice and steadfast behind us along the way: the Northern Echo and its loyal readers.   

“I’ll always fight for the North East, for our workers, for our industry – and to create more opportunity for people living here.  

How we helped get Hitachi Back on Track:

Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year! Get a full year of the Northern Echo for only £25 or try 6 months for just £6. Support local journalism and stay informed about what matters most.

The Hitachi Factory, Newton Aycliffe. (Image: Hitachi) “Today shows the power of what we can achieve together united behind our shared vision.”  

Gavin Foster, editor of The Northern Echo, added: “This incoming announcement from the government is a relief to not just hundreds of workers at Hitachi but also for Newton Aycliffe and the rest of the North East. 

“Here at The Northern Echo, we have campaigned alongside MPs and senior officials tirelessly to Keep Hitachi on Track – it has truly been a long time coming and we are delighted to see this come to fruition.”