East Midlands Railway's (EMR) has awarded a Sheffield manufacturer a contract to supply specialist parts for its new Aurora fleet of trains.
Specialist manufacturing jobs in Sheffield are being supported by EMR and Hitachi Rail after the Sheffield company Stauff was chosen to supply a range of components for EMR's new trains.
Stauff is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of hydraulic system components and is providing key products for the new trains, such as specialist clamping solutions, tube manipulation, and flexible hose assemblies and fittings.
Having been part of Hitachi Rail's global supply chain since 2012, the company's close relationship with Stauff enables the company to invest and innovate its own manufacturing techniques in order to deliver innovative intercity trains for the UK.
The Aurora fleet is due to enter service in 2023 and will offer significant advances on EMR's existing fleet, with passengers benefiting from more seats and modern interiors.
The trains will be bi-mode, enabling them to run on both diesel and overhead electric power. And will feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets, and improved passenger information screens. The trains are currently being manufactured at Hitachi Rail's factory in Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham.
Ken Cleal, UK Head of Production at Stauff, said: “We are delighted to be working with a local train operating company and help bring the new Aurora fleet to the people of Sheffield and the East Midlands.
“We have a long history working in the railway industry and the ongoing collaboration with companies such as Hitachi Rail and EMR are key for us to help grow and maintain specialist manufacturing in the UK.”
Lisa Angus, Transitions and Projects Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “When our new Aurora Fleet comes into service, the people of Sheffield can be proud that specialist manufacturing from their city has played a vital part in their introduction.
“Sheffield has a long manufacturing history, and the awarding of this contract is another example of how the railway is supporting specialist skills and jobs in the city.”
Amy Webb, Head of EMR Programme at Hitachi Rail said: “The Aurora fleet utilises our new welding and painting capabilities, which has helped expand Hitachi Rail's already extensive domestic supply chain.
“The collaboration with both our UK suppliers and EMR enables us to deliver a truly British built train.”
The name brand “ Aurora” isn’t a great idea. I think the Class 810s should of been branded as “East Midlands Intercity Express” (EMIX).