Amidst the backdrop of uncertainty, hope has emerged for the train-making industry in Derby, as well as for the livelihoods of thousands of workers, with Alstom securing a critical new order following discussions with Transport Secretary, Mark Harper.
The monumental development was unveiled after productive negotiations between the Secretary of State and senior officials from Alstom. The outcome of the discussions has resulted in the Department for Transport securing principal approval to support funding for an additional five Elizabeth Line trains, in addition to the five trains that were confirmed earlier in March. This announcement has given a significant boost to the prospect of preserving train-making in Derby and safeguarding the thousands of jobs at stake.
Alstom, a struggling train firm, has expressed that the potential order for the Elizabeth Line could be instrumental in securing the future of its Litchurch Lane site in Derby. This revelation comes in the wake of a decision by Alstom to reopen a redundancy consultation at the Derby site. However, no contracts have been finalized yet, as the company is engaged in intense discussions with the government and Transport for London. All parties have agreed to conclude discussions by May, within which Alstom hopes to secure the order that could potentially transform the future of its operations in Derby.
Alstom’s Group CEO traveled from France to the UK to engage in discussions with Transport Secretary Mark Harper, underlining the significance of the potential order for the Elizabeth Line. The manufacturer confirmed that the order under discussion would utilize a clause within the existing Elizabeth Line contract to produce additional trains, in a bid to secure the future of its Derby site.
Furthermore, the breakthrough in discussions between Alstom and the Transport Secretary has culminated in a vital new order being approved, potentially saving the Derby plant from closing down. The plant, which is pivotal for Britain’s train manufacturing, employs 3,000 individuals and had completed its last remaining trains in March. The approved deal includes an order for 10 new commuter units, marking a decisive step towards securing the future of the factory. The commencement of the new work is slated for the first half of 2025, bridging a crucial gap in activity before the Derby plant initiates the construction of a fleet of express trains for the HS2 line in mid-2026.
The prospect of the newfound order has injected a renewed sense of optimism among the workers at the Derby plant and the larger train-making community. It has underscored the significance of sustained and collaborative efforts between government bodies and private entities in revitalizing vital industries and upholding employment opportunities, particularly in regions that heavily rely on key manufacturing sectors. The potential resurgence of train-making in Derby is a testament to the power of cooperation in steering the course of economic revival and reinforcing the foundation of critical industries.
In conclusion, the recent developments emanating from the discussions between Alstom and the Transport Secretary have ushered in a glimmer of hope for the train-making sector in Derby. The prospect of securing a vital new order has the potential to safeguard thousands of jobs and fortify the future of Alstom’s operations in Derby, marking a pivotal stride in the revitalization of the British train manufacturing industry.
