09.10.18
Talgo announces shortlist for first UK base and 1,000 new jobs
Talgo has announced that a Welsh port is in the running to be the Spanish train manufacturer’s first UK base, potentially creating up to 1,000 jobs.
Mostyn Port in Flintshire has been shortlisted, as reported by the BBC, alongside three locations in England and two in Scotland for the site of a 40,000sq metre facility which will be used to manufacture rolling stock.
The company specialises in the design, manufacture and servicing of fast lightweight trains, and plans to produce new trains to supply rail franchises in the UK, including HS2, and to export around the globe.
The search for Talgo’s new base has been ongoing for the last 18 months, and the chosen factory site will see 1,000 new jobs.
Mostyn is now up against the five other sites, but Talgo has said that those which miss out could still benefit from supply chain opportunities.
The other potential locations are St Helens, Leeds and Chesterfield in England and Hunterston and Longannet in Scotland.
A decision is due next month.
Jim O’Toole, managing director of Mostyn Port, said: "The Port of Mostyn greatly welcomes being considered by Talgo as a site for their proposed UK locomotive and rolling stock manufacturing facility.”
He said they had been working with the company and with the Welsh Government to identify and satisfy Talgo’s requirements.
Carlos de Palacio, president of Talgo, said: "The establishment of a manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of Talgo’s future strategy.
"Talgo’s aim is to establish true manufacturing – rather than assembling from parts made elsewhere. This means that we will draw from materials and expertise across the UK.”
He continued: “This keeps more money in the UK economy, and creates more skilled long-term jobs.
"Although there can only be one factory site, we have developed excellent relationships with areas that we have visited.”
Talgo is on the shortlist to produce the new fleet for HS2, with at least 54 new trains coming into service for 2026, alongside a host of other train manufacturers.
The contract is worth £2.75bn, all bidders were invited to tender in Spring 2018 and contracts will be awarded in 2019.
Talgo launched a legal bid against the “botched” HS2 train procurement in August, after Spanish rival CAF launched its own legal challenge and was then added to the shortlist late on in the process.
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Image credit - Talgo