Vivarail has announced that they will be moving their manufacturing base to Southam, near Leamington Spa.
The relocation means Vivarail continues to work and invest in the industrial heartland of the Midlands and its core team of skilled workers remain local. The move is driven by Vivarail's growing order book. It demonstrates the solid base Vivarail has attained as a fully matured train manufacturer.
Vivarail began operations five years ago at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre (QRTC) in Long Marston.
As well as moving production to Southam, Vivarail will also have a new test track at Barry in South Wales.
At QRTC, Vivarail was able to design, build and test its prototype DEMU using the 3km circular test track. The company then went on to build the UK's first modern battery train launching unit 230002 in Scotland in 2018.
Vivarail's Centre of Excellence in Co Durham will focus on component overhaul, manufacture of systems and sub systems. At Bletchley, the fleet of trains for West Midlands Railway will be maintained by the Product Support Division.
In conjunction with Transport for Wales Vivarail will also shortly be opening a new maintenance site for the Wrexham-Bidston fleet of trains.
What did the officials say?
Adrian Shooter, CEO of Vivarail, said
“I find it hard to believe all we have managed to do in such a short space of time. We have grown from start-up to fully fledged manufacturer in a record amount of time and it is with a touch of sadness that we will have to say goodbye to our friends and colleagues at QRTC. However, we need to consolidate all our operations under one roof and our new facility at Southam gives us that opportunity. Rather than being spread amongst three or four different buildings we will all be housed under one roof which will ensure a seamless method of working with stores, design, engineering and production all in one building. It means we can continue to refine our build and delivery processes and to deliver high quality and excellent trains to our customers.”
John Buxton, MD of Cambrian Transport, said
“We are excited that Vivarail have chosen to use our railway to test their innovative trains. Our operations at Barry continue to expand providing training and employment opportunities for local people. This is great news for both our railway and the town”.
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Dear Michael, I’m being a bit of a hypocrite because I used to make the same error, but companies and organisations in general are singular. So ‘Vivarail has announced that they will be moving their manufacturing base,’ should read ‘Vivarail has announced that it will be moving its manufacturing base.’ Sorry to be a sad pedant. I really must get out more.
Hi Martin,
Feedback is always welcomed. I shall have a look into this and make corrections if this is the case.
Regards
Michael
Many companies ‘talk the talk’ but Vivarail have certainly delivered; congratulations to them, may they prosper long!
Vivarail have done a amazing job on converting the Class 230 DEMU trains for the Marston Vale Line and are working on manufacturing the Class 484 to replace the Class 483 stocks used on the Island Line which the Class 484 will begin service from next year.