Brown backs region’s bid to create jobs

Jun 27 2009 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

THE Minister for the North East yesterday spoke of his confidence in a bid for thousands of new jobs for the region. Japanese giant Hitachi is lining up Gateshead as a possible location for a factory to assemble a new generation of high-speed trains.

MP Nick Brown said he had held talks with the firm – and left bosses with what he described as a “very strong” case.

Hitachi is assembling a £7.5bn fleet of super-express Agility Trains, with Gateshead’s Tyne Yard lined up as one of the contenders to deliver the contract.

The Japanese firm is also considering rival bids from Sheffield, Leicestershire and Leeds.

Mr Brown, MP for Newcastle East and Wallsend, met bosses from the company in Downing Street this week. He said: “It was a good meeting and I set out the case for our site. It is very strong. It is the sort of work that people want to do.

“They would get a good workforce and the site is ideal as it is next to the railway line and the A1.

“Gateshead’s reputation for dealing with the private sector is excellent. It is very business focused.”

The North East Minister is meeting local business chiefs as part of an initiative by Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry.