A Tyneside electrification specialist is set for expansion after sealing a £10m deal to power the first ever battery trains built in the 海角视频.
Earlier this year it emerged that hundreds of jobs had been safeguarded at Hitachi Rail’s plant at Newton Aycliffe after the manufacturer secured contracts to build nine battery hybrid trains for Arriva Group’s Grand Central and Angel trains – vital deals which followed similar deals for First Group and its Lumo service.
Now it has been announced that Gateshead based Turntide Technologies has been picked by Hitachi Rail to supply Gen 2 lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems for its Grand Central intercity battery train contract – and they will be the first new battery trains manufactured in the 海角视频.
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Turntide Technologies will supply the next-generation batteries, which are designed to be smaller and more powerful than previous lithium-ion batteries.
Hitachi will place orders worth nearly £10m with Turntide Technologies to continue research and development and to supply the batteries, creating a strong pipeline for the Gateshead company over the coming years. It will also result in the expansion of its Team Valley Trading Estate facility.
In addition to the battery systems, Turntide’s solution includes an advanced battery management system featuring Safety Integrity Level 2 functional safety, compliant with IEC 61508, to detect and mitigate hazards in the event of system failures. It also meets IEC 62243 cybersecurity standards, ensuring safe, secure, and reliable performance for next-generation mobility.
The new contract strengthens Turntide’s relationship with Hitachi Rail, coming five years after it signed an exclusive agreement to design and supply of traction battery systems for Hitachi Rail – an agreement which resulted in the 海角视频’s first intercity battery train trial which was completed last year. The two companies also collaborated on developing smaller, next-generation battery technology.
The firms said that their continuing partnership ensures that rolling stock manufacturing can unlock new growth in the North East battery sector.
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Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, said: “This is a major win for Turntide. Our collaborative relationship with Hitachi Rail transitions from strength to strength and being selected for this milestone project reflects the quality and innovation of our electrification technology.
“As battery-electric trains gain global momentum, we’re honored to support a project that represents not just regional progress, but a broader shift toward sustainable transport across continents. In the year that marks 200 years of rail, it’s fitting that our region remains at the forefront of transport innovation, helping shape a more sustainable future for passengers, operators, and the environment.”
Koji Agatsuma, chief technology officer vehicles, Hitachi Rail said: “Our additional £10m investment into Turntide Technologies demonstrates our commitment to North East battery innovation. Battery trains aren’t just about delivering greener, quieter journeys—they also create a new advanced manufacturing opportunity and unlock energy optimization through vehicle-to-grid technology.
“As we celebrate 200 years of Stockton-Darlington railway, it’s fitting that Northern passengers will ride trains built in Newton Aycliffe, powered by cutting-edge battery technology from Gateshead. I hope our partnership with Turntide Technologies can inspire the next generation of rail innovation.”
Paul Hutchings, managing director of Arriva 海角视频 Trains’ Rail Services, said: “We’re extremely proud of our roots in the North East, so we’re thrilled that the technologically advanced batteries for our new fleet of trains for Grand Central will also be manufactured there. This is an important milestone on our decarbonization journey allowing us to operate on electrified and non-electrified tracks across the country. This partnership in developing state-of-the-art technology will reduce emissions and fuel usage, while giving passengers a more comfortable experience.”
Industry Minister Sarah Jones added: “This is great news for the North East’s thriving advanced manufacturing sector, and it’s fitting that this comes in the 200th anniversary of the railways being born in the region. Pioneering battery technologies are key to keeping 海角视频 industry at the forefront of innovation, and our modern Industrial Strategy will drive growth in sectors like these and support good, skilled jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”