30.03.20
Scottish Enterprise: There’s never been a greater challenge than right now
As the UK enters its second official week of lockdown, members of the rail industry have voiced their support for the country’s response.
Scottish Enterprise told RTM they were proud to see how, “companies here have diversified where possible and offered up their services in the fight against coronavirus.”
“We are working with a number of our account-managed companies to make the necessary connections and help turn ideas into action.
“Machinery manufactures finding out how they can help create the much-needed ventilators. Clothing and textiles firms offering to make masks for healthcare workers.
“Distillers throughout the country recognising their unique position to fill the and sanitiser stock depletion.”
They also highlighted: “Many parts of the rail industry are also highly skilled in areas where help is needed, manufacturing, engineering, technological innovation, and we encourage businesses to see how they can get involved.”
“Before this pandemic, we were already working with the industry and partners to make Scotland a world centre for rail innovation.
“Planning permission has been secured to transform the former fossil fuel power station at Longannet in Fife into a future powerhouse of the climate revolution, with the potential to provide work for supply chain companies throughout the land.
“Spanish train manufacturer Talgo hopes to create 1,000 direct jobs and support thousands more with a new factory at the site.
“Already underway at the other side of the country from Longannet is a project with Brodies Engineering Limited in Kilmarnock to look at refitting existing rolling stock to create battery and battery/hydrogen-powered trains for non-electrified and discontinuous electrified routes.”
They also said, “we have already revealed our plans to create an international rail cluster, bringing together global innovators to tackle the challenges faced by the industry.
“There’s never been a greater challenge than right now, but Scottish Enterprise will continue to work with the industry to pull through the other side.”
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