EMR and Hitachi Rail pick Sheffield firm for Aurora components

A Sheffield firm has been chosen to provide a range of components for East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Hitachi Rail’s new Intercity fleet.

Stauff is providing crucial components for EMR’s Aurora Fleet. This includes specialist clamping solutions, tube manipulation, flexible hose assemblies and fittings.

Thanks to being part of Hitachi’s supply chain since 2012, Stauff can invest and innovate its own manufacturing techniques to deliver cutting-edge intercity trains for the UK.

The Aurora fleet, entering into service next year, will be able to offer a range of new features, including more seats and modern interiors.

The trains can use overhead lines and will have asked-for features such as air conditioning, free WiFi throughout, plug sockets and improved passenger information screens. The new Aurora fleet is currently being manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s UK factory.

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 the 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.”

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