Member Article

Hitachi deal a glass act for Consett firm

A County Durham glass manufacturer is the latest firm to benefit from a multi-million pound deal with Hitachi Rail Europe.

Specialist glass manufacturer Romag, based near Consett, has today signed a preferred contractor agreement to supply glass for Hitachi’s Class 800/801 high speed trains for the Intercity Express Programme.

Both companies aim to reach close of the long-term build and support contract shortly, enabling Romag to immediately launch the necessary design and development work.

Delivery of the windows will start in spring 2014, securing high quality jobs in the region with a potential to create additional capacity when supplying at full volume.

Romag managing director Phil Murray said: “We are delighted to have signed the preferred contractor agreement with Hitachi Rail Europe and look forward to working closely as a trusted supplier in the coming years.

“Romag has dedicated considerable resources to developing our bespoke build and support offer to the rail industry.

“We have experienced significant growth in this market, despite the economic downturn, and with over 70 years specialist glazing experience we are well placed to deliver contracts such as this to both Hitachi and other train builders.”

Construction of Hitachi’s £82m train-building factory in Newton Aycliffe is expected to start later this year and be open in 2015, creating more than 700 full-time jobs.

Hitachi Rail Europe MD Keith Jordan said: “We’re delighted that we are working with local companies that can supply to the high quality requirements we need to build highly reliable, comfortable trains for the UK in the UK.”

Hitachi’s procurement director Jamie Foster added: “Hitachi has always been very clear that only companies that can meet our high quality standards while offering a competitive cost will be selected to supply to the Class 800/801 trains.

“Romag have consistently demonstrated their commitment to that request. And as a result I am happy for us to show our commitment to them through this award.”

Now part of Gentoo Group, Romag specialises in security glass for the transport market and ‘high impact’ glass for the rail industry.

It is one of the UK’s leading independent glass processors and is trusted worldwide by leading organisations to deliver high quality, reliable glazing solutions designed to meet customer’s specific requirements.

Romag has been processing glass in its factory in County Durham in the North of England since 1943 and employs around 100 highly skilled staff.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .