Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has announced its shortlisted locations for its UK factory, which could employ as many as 1,000 people.
It announced today (October 9) that sites near Chesterfield, St Helens and Leeds have been shortlisted for England as well as Mostyn in North Wales. It plans to announce locations for Scotland imminently. A final decision is expected next month.
Talgo has been shortlisted to build the 54 classic compatible trains for High Speed 2 (HS2) in a £2.75bn deal, while it is also interested in the East Midlands and West Coast Partnership deals. The firm was also looking to bid for new trains for the CrossCountry franchise until that competition was stopped following the announcement of rail review in September.
The company says it aims to enter the UK train market through what it calls ‘true manufacturing’. It said in a statement: “instead of assembling kits of parts from overseas, it wants to source components from within the United Kingdom.”
Talgo said this approach will grow the UK’s manufacturing capability, strengthen supply chains, create more jobs, and boost local economies.
Talgo President Carlos de Palacio said: “The establishment of a manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of Talgo’s future strategy.
“Talgo’s aim is to establish true manufacturing – rather than assembling from parts made elsewhere. This means that we will draw from materials and expertise across the UK.
“This keeps more money in the UK economy, and creates more skilled long-term jobs.
“Although there can only be one factory site, we have developed excellent relationships with all the countries, regions and areas that we have visited. We anticipate continuing these relationships to ensure that Talgo provides great opportunities across the UK.”
- For the FULL story including exclusive interviews, read RAIL 864, published on October 24, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from October 20.
AndrewJG8918 - 09/10/2018 11:49
With the boost of more new trains being built in the UK and in Europe which will be operated across the UK. Including in Scotland, Wales and England. And with the old trains to be phased out and replaced and sent to scrap. The UK still relies on its railway history when the UK first started having its new transport and trains & locomotives started boosting the railways that today millions of people still use the railways to commute to & from work and other activities. And with some railway lines to reopen that once was ruled by Sir Beeching before the death of most railways lines that are now being used as roads, public footpaths and some have been reinstated that trains still operate on. And towns that once had railways are having to deal with roads. Our railways will continue to live on as long as the railways are well looked after and people are using the trains for decades & centuries to come.