Alstom opens UK’s largest new centre for train modernisation

Alstom has opened the UK’s biggest and most sophisticated centre for train modernisation in Widnes, in the North West.

With over 13,000 square metres of space, Widnes will be the largest rolling stock modernisation facility in the UK. Its vast size, and close embrace of ‘Industry 4.0’ principles, makes it ideal for work on intercity trains.

Alstom will soon start to work on the contract to re-paint the 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. Industry 4.0 features of the contract will include innovative Virtual Reality painting simulators that the team will be trained on and will use to validate the work.

Alstom is recruiting workers from the local area, and the majority of the team being assembled for the painting contract have come from the Liverpool city region and other local areas such as Warrington. The 80-strong repainting team includes five new apprentices who will work on the project. Having successfully completed their level 2 apprenticeships in Riverside college, Alstom is proud to welcome them to Widnes to complete their level 3 qualification while delivering this important project.

“This new centre for manufacturing will grow local skills, create hundreds of jobs both in Widnes and across the entire UK rail supply chain. This long-term investment marks Alstom’s commitment to the future of the sector in the UK,” said Business Minister, Lord Prior.