UK train factories at risk of closure

Aventra electric multiple unit at Alstom factory in Derby
Aventra electric multiple unit (EMU), built for South West Rail, at Alstom's Derby production site Alstom

With manufacturing jobs threatened and train factories at risk of closure, there have been calls for the UK government to make immediate decisions on the building and upgrading of rolling stock. Leading the chorus has been the Railway Industry Association (RIA), the vociferous champion of the supply chain in the UK. The Government for its part is reportedly working urgently with train manufacturer Alstom to secure the jobs of its staff and suppliers in its Derby factory, the UK’s largest train factory.

Want to read more?

Subscribe now!

Take advantage of our exclusive offer to get full access to all premium content.

See the offer

Author: Simon Walton

Simon Walton is UK correspondent for RailTech.com and Railfreight.com

5 comments op “UK train factories at risk of closure”

jamie lew|19.09.23|09:05

Without HS2, old rolling stock could of been a priority, keeping the manufacturing industry with plenty of orders and improving the existing public transport, plus jobs and apprenticeships for the uk industrys future.
Especially with cars being forced off the road with ulez, caz, 20mph limit, high fuel cost and increased road fund licence.
Dont you just love this government!

Michael Pease|19.09.23|20:27

The rail industry in Britain is in desperate need of long-term planning of both infrastructure and rolling stock. This would encourage substantial investment in manufacturing machinery and the training and recruitment of new staff. Instead, government looks no further than the five year life of a parliament and the Treasury is obsessed with short term cash saving which actually raises long term costs.

Roy Gregory|20.09.23|07:06

Why is it that the government has to keep baling out all these companies, the rail network is owned by the government, the rolling stock is private companies,.

Paul Sanderson|20.09.23|12:05

Look no further than the privatisation of railways and the horizontal rather than vertical division of the industry.

Rob Needham|30.11.23|15:33

Alstom is a large global company with sales and activities in many countries. They could choose to use the Derby factory to fulfil rolling stock orders for other countries.

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.

UK train factories at risk of closure | RailTech.com

UK train factories at risk of closure

Aventra electric multiple unit at Alstom factory in Derby
Aventra electric multiple unit (EMU), built for South West Rail, at Alstom's Derby production site Alstom

With manufacturing jobs threatened and train factories at risk of closure, there have been calls for the UK government to make immediate decisions on the building and upgrading of rolling stock. Leading the chorus has been the Railway Industry Association (RIA), the vociferous champion of the supply chain in the UK. The Government for its part is reportedly working urgently with train manufacturer Alstom to secure the jobs of its staff and suppliers in its Derby factory, the UK’s largest train factory.

Want to read more?

Subscribe now!

Take advantage of our exclusive offer to get full access to all premium content.

See the offer

Author: Simon Walton

Simon Walton is UK correspondent for RailTech.com and Railfreight.com

5 comments op “UK train factories at risk of closure”

jamie lew|19.09.23|09:05

Without HS2, old rolling stock could of been a priority, keeping the manufacturing industry with plenty of orders and improving the existing public transport, plus jobs and apprenticeships for the uk industrys future.
Especially with cars being forced off the road with ulez, caz, 20mph limit, high fuel cost and increased road fund licence.
Dont you just love this government!

Michael Pease|19.09.23|20:27

The rail industry in Britain is in desperate need of long-term planning of both infrastructure and rolling stock. This would encourage substantial investment in manufacturing machinery and the training and recruitment of new staff. Instead, government looks no further than the five year life of a parliament and the Treasury is obsessed with short term cash saving which actually raises long term costs.

Roy Gregory|20.09.23|07:06

Why is it that the government has to keep baling out all these companies, the rail network is owned by the government, the rolling stock is private companies,.

Paul Sanderson|20.09.23|12:05

Look no further than the privatisation of railways and the horizontal rather than vertical division of the industry.

Rob Needham|30.11.23|15:33

Alstom is a large global company with sales and activities in many countries. They could choose to use the Derby factory to fulfil rolling stock orders for other countries.

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.