Hundreds of companies from across the region will visit Newton Aycliffe today to examine the possibility of joining the Hitachi supply chain. Joe Willis speaks to four firms about their hopes.

WORK is due to start on Hitachi’s Intercity Express Programme factory next year.

By that time, companies from the North-East will hope to have been signed up to supply goods and services for the £4.5bn train-building project.

It is estimated that up to 5,000 jobs will be created in the supply chain by Hitachi’s arrival in the region.

Today, an open day at the Excel Centre, Newton Aycliffe, will give more than 1,000 potential suppliers a chance to see the opportunities available.

They include:

WISE ENGINEERING
“WE’RE going along to see what the craic is,” says Wise Engineering’s chief engineer, Ian Wise.

The company, based in Crook, County Durham, was launched in 1986 by brothers Colin and Neil Wise.

Neil Wise later left, but his brother continued and was later joined by wife Karen and son Ian.

The company specialises in computer numerical control engineering, producing metal parts on behalf of other firms.

Wise Engineering already works with companies supplying large manufacturers such as JCB.

However, Mr Wise Junior said it would be “daft” for the company not to put itself forward for work from Hitachi.

BAXTER PERSONNEL
BAXTER Personnel employs eight people directly and supplies 80 temporary workers to firms across the region.

Managing director Andrew Harrow acquired the company, based above RBS, in Darlington town centre, in October.

Since then, he has focused on emphasising the company’s local roots and knowledge.

The director hopes Baxter’s 20 years’ experience of supplying light industrial and commercial staff will fit the bill for Hitachi.

He said: “We have got these categories of staff in absolute abundance.

“I am very, very keen to hear what they have to say.”

SOPHIA’S GARDENS
IT is not only engineering companies that have been attracted by Hitachi’s appeal for potential suppliers.

Sophia’s Gardens is a garden design company based in Stanhope, County Durham.

It was launched by former biochemist Sophia Monkman seven years ago.

She said: “Companies like to have attractive grounds firstly for their staff, but also for visitors.”

Ms Monkman hopes Hitachi may be interested in a new service she is offering – rain gardens.

Instead of allowing rainwater to pour into the drains, companies are now expected to keep the water on site.

Rain gardens hold run-off water while providing an attractive area for employees.

MONTPELLIER EVENTS
HITACHI will need companies that have local knowledge and international contacts, believes Montpellier Events director Joanna Johnson.

The events co-ordinator is thrilled that the Japanese manufacturer is seeking companies to work with.

She launched the company, based in Hornby, North Yorkshire, at the end of last year, and already has a number of blue chip companies on her books.

She said: “They are asking for suppliers – it is a great opportunity and quite unusual.

“I really hope there will be a little bit for everyone.

“I am local to the area, I know the venues and I know the hotels, but I can also travel and I have contacts around the world.”