Institution news
On May 15, 2014, rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation celebrated its landmark anniversary at its UK rolling stock manufacturing site at Litchurch Lane in Derby. Numerous guests from industry and the local business community were invited to enjoy the showcase, which included presentations, a tour of the site, and a formal dinner.
Lara Mallett, Business Development Manager for the East Midlands Region, was delighted to represent the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Lara commented:
“The wonderful afternoon and evening illustrated Bombardier’s proud rail heritage in Derby, and also showcased its exciting future in a range of manufacturing projects.”
The event was also attended by the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt. Hon Patrick McCloughlin MP; the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Fareed Hussain; local dignitaries, key customers, suppliers and national and local media. Bombardier showcased the technologies of the past, present and future produced in Derby.
The site on which Bombardier now manufacturers train carriages was formerly known as Derby Carriage and Wagon Works, which originally opened in 1876. Renowned heritage locomotives designed in Derby, such as ‘the Midland Compound’ and ‘Tornado’ were reunited at the Derby site in a combined presentation of innovation featuring iconic legacy trains, as well as more recent train technologies and current fleets being manufactured by Bombardier. These included the sub-surface line trains being delivered to London Underground – the first to feature air-conditioning on the Tube – as well as latest Southern and London Overground builds.
In addition, Bombardier presented its innovative BOMBARDIER AVENTRA train technology, which has been chosen for Transport for London’s prestigious Crossrail rolling stock contract as announced in February. Bombardier will deliver 65 nine-car trains and construct a new purpose-built depot at Old Oak Common. The deal also includes maintenance provision for the fleet of trains.
Francis Paonessa, Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation in the UK said:
“With the award of the Crossrail project in the 175th year of train manufacture in Derby, we are immensely proud to continue the tradition of designing and manufacturing high performance trains for the UK.”