Alstom has opened its biggest and most sophisticated centre for train modernisation ever in the UK, with the facility expected to create hundreds of jobs in Cheshire and across the supply chain.
The 140,000 sq ft site in Widnes was officially opened by Lord Prior of Brampton, parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Alstom will soon start to work on a €28m (£24.6m) contract to re-paint the 56-strong fleet of Class 390 ‘tilting’ Pendolino trains, which are used by Virgin on the West Coast Main Line. The first Pendolino train is already in the modernisation halls.
"This long-term investment marks Alstom’s commitment to the future of the sector in the UK," said Lord Prior of Brampton.
"Through our ambitious Industrial Strategy, we are committed to supporting businesses and their supply chains across the country so that they can make the most of the opportunities ahead."
Luca Erbacci, senior vice-president of Alstom in Europe, added: "We have a team of 80 people in place to deliver our first contract, repainting the beautiful Pendolino trains and that includes five new apprentices, showing our commitment to skills. We want this to be just the start of our story in Widnes."
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