 In 1984 , the Japanese consortium of Kawasaki Heavy Industries with Nippon Sharyo , Tokyu Car Corp and Kinki Sharyo was awarded Contract 151 at a cost of S $ 581 @.@ 5 million for the construction of 396 passenger cars . Kawasaki won the contract ; its bid — aided by favourable financing from Mitsui and positive economic conditions in Japan — was 12 % lower than those of other bidders . The award was the largest single contract awarded in the initial construction of the system . Kawasaki also promised to supply $ <unk> worth of complimentary spare parts after delivery . The loss of Contract 151 was a massive financial blow to Metro @-@ Cammell , who were forced to reduce their workforce by half later that year . 
