By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe’s MP says the decision to hand local firm Finley Structures the job of constructing Hitachi’s new train-building factory is “wonderful” for the area.
Family-run Finley’s – based within a mile of the Hitachi site, as the image above shows – have been given the task of constructing the steel frame for Hitachi Rail Europe’s £82m facility on Aycliffe Business Park.
FINLEY STRUCTURES GET HITACHI CONTRACT
Darlington firm Shepherd Construction were revealed as the main contractor for the factory last November.
Since then, they have appointed Rushyford-based Hall Construction to carry out the groundworks and have given Finley’s a 2,000-tonne contract.
In turn, Finley’s have appointed South Durham Draughting, based in South Church, Bishop Auckland, to carry out the detailing of the project.
The Labour MP for Sedgefield, Phil Wilson, played a big part in paving the way for Hitachi’s successful bid for the £5.8 billion Intercity Express Programme (IEP).
“This is fantastic news for the area and I’m delighted that more local jobs will be supported during the construction of the factory,” said Mr Wilson.
“When you have a company like Hitachi prepared to build an £82m facility here, it proves there is great faith in the area, and to see local companies all coming together to work on the project like this is just wonderful.”
‘FINLEY’S CAN DELIVER’ – HITACHI