Alstom wins permission to build technology centre

The site will act as a UK centre for R&D, provide training, and upskilling of the existing workforce

Alstom has been granted planning permission for the construction of a new £20 million technology centre at Widnes in the Liverpool area.

The site will also be home to the company's North West Transport Training Academy, which will open in autumn 2017. It will act as a UK centre for research and development, providing training in engineering, manufacturing, project management and other vital transport sector skills, upskilling the existing workforce, as well as supporting apprentices and new graduates for the rail industry across the North West.

Alstom will use the centre to carry out essential maintenance work. With more than half of the UK rail fleet passed its half-life, the centre will provide the expertise needed for maintenance and modernisation of trains.

Andreas Knitter, Alstom senior vice-president for Europe, said: “This new centre is part of our global strategy to grow our service activities by localising our operations close to our customers. It allows us to react much more quickly to growth in local markets. The UK is one of the most exciting places in the world for train companies like Alstom to do business, so it’s important that we run the most efficient operation possible through modern facilities with the latest technology.”

The site is ideally located as a North West logistics hub, featuring access to ports, railheads, motorways and airports. It also offers access to the West Coast Main Line, which will make it easier to move trains and train parts to the site.

Alstom hopes to offer a co-location space for its suppliers, which would help to drive further efficiencies in its UK operations. The Widnes site will have a focus on reliable, low carbon power sources, while the facility will be built and run to minimise impact on local residents.