Hitachi Rail hosts Supplier Award event at InnoTrans 2014

On 24 September 2014, Hitachi Rail hosted an event at international transport trade fair InnoTrans in Berlin to celebrate its key suppliers to the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). The event was attended by the head of the UK Department for Transport’s Rail Executive, and representatives of over 30 international suppliers to the programme.   The company representatives were presented with an award in recognition of their close partnership with Hitachi Rail to produce the Class 800/801 trains which will run on the UK’s Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.

Clare Moriarty, Director General Rail Executive, said: “Building a world-class railway network in the UK is a vital part of our long-term economic plan, helping to connect communities and businesses, generate jobs and support economic growth. We couldn’t do this without the support and expertise of the supply chain, and as the Intercity Express Programme takes shape, with the first trains due to come into operation from 2017, I’d like to thank all the companies involved for helping to make this project a reality.”

Andy Barr, Chief Operating Officer, Hitachi Rail Europe said: “Today’s event was an important opportunity for Hitachi Rail to thank its suppliers for their support for Hitachi Rail’s role in the IEP over the last 12 months, which has ensured that we are on schedule for building the first three Class 800/801 pre-series trains. The Intercity Express Programme is a tremendously important project for Hitachi Rail Europe and we are proud to celebrate our suppliers today.”

Jamie Foster, Procurement Director, Hitachi Rail Europe said: “The Hitachi Rail procurement team spent a long time looking for the best suppliers to provide high quality products, exceptional reliability and real value for money over the lifetime of our trains. With the companies we have recognised here today, we have found the right fit for us. We are proud that we have been able to find companies in the UK and the rest of Europe to fulfil our requirements.

“While the contracts for the Great Western Main Line are already in place, I have today instructed my team to close contracts for the first phase of the East Coast Main Line fleet of trains. With our long-term commitment to the UK and Europe, we are looking forward to many more celebrations to come.”

These achievements have been boosted by the company’s work with suppliers from the UK and Europe. When the headquarters of the global rail business moved to Europe earlier this year, a keen emphasis was placed on Hitachi Rail’s commitment to building a strong base here and developing supplier relationships. Hitachi has honoured this commitment and will continue to build and sustain these links as the rail business expands.

For more information about Hitachi Rail and its vision for rail passenger travel and signalling, please visit stand 304 in Hall 4.2 at InnoTrans 2014. Hitachi Rail is proud to be leading the way in the development of ground-breaking technological advances in the sector and welcomes the opportunity to discuss these with you.