Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory in County Durham has begun building LNER’s new Azuma trains, which are due to start carrying passengers between London and Yorkshire on the East Coast Main Line later this year, before running in Scotland from 2019.

The factory is home to 730 permanent staff and has recently seen 50 apprentices graduate. Hitachi has designed the trains using its Japanese bullet-train technology, with a sleek aerodynamic front (pictured) and good acceleration to cut journey times.

The name Azuma means “east” in Japanese, an acknowledgement of Hitachi’s roots and Japan’s advanced railways.

Karen Boswell, managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe (www.hitachirail-eu.com), said: “Newton Aycliffe continues to go from strength to strength, now building three separate fleets to serve passengers across the country.

“Our pioneering Azuma trains will transform journeys on the East Coast Main Line.

“By building them at Newton Aycliffe, we are supporting thousands of jobs, with a strong British supplier base.”

David Horne, LNER’s managing director, said: “Our customers can expect a fleet of high-tech modern trains that will deliver more seats and space, as well as faster journeys.

“Azuma will play a key role in revolutionising travel on the East Coast Main Line.”