the new hitachi intercity express programme train assembly plant was built not far from the station in the aycliffe business park and opened in 2015. work commenced on the £82 million facility in march 2014 and it was officially opened on 3 september 2015 by uk prime minister david cameron. the factory has a rail connection to the running line controlled from the station signal box to allow for delivery of the new sets once completed (there are also of sidings and a long electrified test track within the plant). the new class 800/801 iep sets will be built or fitted out here for use on the east coast main line and great western main line, along with class 385 (at200) commuter emus destined for use on scottish suburban routes around glasgow and edinburgh.