21.03.17
Stadler awards £20m contract to BAM Nuttall for Kirkdale depot
Swiss manufacturer Stadler has today struck a £20m deal with BAM Nuttall to construct a brand-new train depot in Kirkdale, as well as refurbishing an existing depot in Birkenhead North to bring it up to modern standards.
The announcement of the deal is the latest step in Stadler’s efforts to build its UK supply chain, as it follows news that the company signed a contract for the new fleet of 52 metro trains for the Liverpool region, despite Bombardier launching a legal challenge against Merseytravel after it missed out on its bid for the contract in December.
Kirkdale’s new depot will be dedicated to the fleet of metro-trains, which should be in service by 2021 and are estimated to have a 35-year life cycle.
The combined value of the contracts for the depot and rolling stock amounts to £700m, which may increase subject to an optional clause that includes the maintenance of an additional 60 units being triggered.
Stadler is also planning to transfer around 150 Merseyrail engineering staff into its operations to work on the new developments.
Jürg Gygax, executive vice president of Stadler, said: “Having just signed the contract with Merseytravel to provide a new generation of metro trains for Liverpool, we are very pleased to already be able to confirm BAM Nuttall as the primary subcontractor for the depot works.”
Gygax added that the deal underlined Stadler’s commitment to the UK. “It will help the majority of the overall value of our contracts retained in the UK and the north west, both in the supply chain and in the employment of engineering staff,” he explained.
“With the modern maintenance facilities, these works will provide, Stadler will be able to maintain the fleet to the highest standards of reliability and customer presentation.”
Alan Cox, pre-construction director at BAM Nuttall, spoke of his enthusiasm about being awarded the contract: “We have been working collaboratively with Stadler during the tender stage of this exciting programme.
“From our Warrington office we have been able to provide locally based staff to support the bid and develop the programme.”
The BAM Nuttall director added that the company would continue with its “locally based approach” throughout the delivery phase and will provide opportunities for BAM’s north of England supply chain.
“We look forward to delivering this key piece of infrastructure for Stadler and Merseytravel and supporting the local economy,” he said.
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.