Hitachi Rail in Newton Aycliffe opens its doors to public for the first time
More than 1,500 people are expected to visit the site
Hitachi Rail's opening its doors to the public at its Newton Aycliffe factory for the first time ever today.
More than 1,500 people are expected to turn up with the company saying attractions are still going ahead indoors despite Storm Amy.
LNER, East Midlands Railway, Arriva, Railway200, S&DR200, and Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway are joining the celebration.
With Hitachi Rail’s state-of-the-art factory located alongside the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway, the sell-out event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate both the railway’s remarkable heritage and its exciting future. Hitachi Rail has partnered with Railway 200 and S&DR200 for the national bicentenary celebrations.
Visitors can enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s most advanced train manufacturing facilities, exploring innovations in battery and digital train technology, while learning about the history of rail in the region, including rides on a working replica of the iconic Locomotion No.1.
• Factory tours and engineering demonstrations – Guests can see how modern trains are designed and built, with experts explaining cutting-edge technology, including battery trains and digital innovations shaping the future of rail travel.
• S&DR200 Replica Locomotion No.1 – The world’s first passenger-carrying steam locomotive returned to its birthplace, giving visitors the chance to explore and photograph the iconic engine.
• Railway 200’s unique exhibition train, ‘Inspiration’ – This interactive touring visitor attraction highlights careers in the modern rail industry, rail’s role in shaping our lives and the future of rail innovation. It is on a 60-stop tour of Britain
• Community activities – Including heritage talks, family workshops and food stalls celebrating the North East’s rail legacy
Jim Brewin, Chief Director for UK & Ireland said: “Welcoming hundreds of families and rail enthusiasts through our doors is a wonderful way to celebrate 200 years of progress on the railway.
"Alongside Hitachi Rail’s support to save the world’s first passenger station at Heighington, we’re proud to give back to the local community during this once-in-a-generation celebration.
"This event is particularly special for us as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of our Newton Aycliffe factory – the moment Hitachi brought train manufacturing back to its birthplace. I want to thank our incredible partners and Hitachi Rail volunteers for their passion, enthusiasm and for making this such a memorable day.”
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “We’re delighted that Hitachi has hosted such a special public event as part of rail’s national bicentenary celebrations. The presence of the Railway 200 exhibition train, Inspiration, hopefully added to the occasion and invited visitors of all ages to take a fresh look at the railway, learning more about how it shapes peoples’ lives and livelihoods.”
Niccy Halifax, S&DR200 Festival Director said: “Two hundred years on from the birth of passenger rail here in the North East, we’re proud to celebrate that legacy with Hitachi Rail as they open their doors for Railway 200 - showing how far our industry has come and why it still matters to communities and the economy today."
You can read more about Hitachi Rail's donation to save Heighington Station, and future use of the site, on their website.