Interfleet has landed an assessment and certification role for Hitachi’s new fleet of Super Express trains.
Interfleet Certification has been named as the Notified Body (NoBo) and Designated Body (DeBo) to the multi-billion pound Intercity Express Programme, making the Derby-based firm responsible for ensuring the new rolling stock meets UK and European standards.
Hitachi is building an assembly site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to deliver 92 new train’s to Britain’s network. As part of the contract, Interfleet will directly support and guide engineers on site.
Construction of the first train is expected to begin in Japan by the end of 2013 ahead of testing in the UK between 2015 and 2016.
In total the Hitachi-led consortium will provide 596 carriages of electric and bi-mode trains for the Great Western Main Line and East Coast Main Line.
Other recent IEP contract award winners have included Merchant Place Developments, who will build the new site in the north of England, and Nomad Digital, who will supply onboard IT systems for the new fleet.
I think I am correct in saying that, contrary to the information that they have won the construction contract, Merchant Place Developments actually own the Newton Aycliffe site. Consequently, they are the party who would be involved in awarding contracts to prospective construction companies.