Wabtec has announced it is expanding its manufacturing facility at Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire to enhance its production capabilities.

The enhancement will enlarge the facility by 7,300 sq/m and is expected to be completed late next year, and is part of the company’s long-term strategy to improve efficiency and support a more sustainable, modern, and efficient UK rail sector.

It is expected that the upgraded site will accommodate 500 team members, and create 150 new skilled jobs in the region. The expanded facility represents a significant investment by the company to position Wabtec as a leader in the train components sector and in the future of UK rail.

A benefit of the upgraded facility will be the co-location of multiple product lines, which supply key components to train operators and manufacturers throughout the UK.

Earlier this year, Wabtec announced it was to cease vehicle maintenance in the UK and would close its Doncaster site, the remaining rail component work at Doncaster moving to the expanded site at Barton-under-Needwood.

Extensive support would be given to those employees affected by the Doncaster site closure, including offering them the opportunity for redeployment.

Wabtec is a global corporation with headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, that manufactures locomotives and systems for the rail industries, and for the mining, marine and industrial markets. Its recent contracts include a £200 million order for locomotives to be used on an iron ore project in Eastern Guinea, and an order for 30 locomotives from Brazil.

“It’s great to see a major player in the rail industry investing in our area. This investment will widen opportunities for people living in our area and shows a real confidence that our part of the West Midlands continues to be an excellent place to start and grow a business that can have a real impact on the national scale.”

Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield

“This investment in Barton marks an exciting new chapter for Wabtec and reaffirms our commitment to UK manufacturing. We’re proud to be creating high-quality, skilled jobs and to be part of Barton’s growing industrial landscape. While this transition follows the difficult decision to close our Doncaster facility, it is essential in ensuring our long-term competitiveness and ability to serve the UK rail sector.”

Tim Bentley, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President, UK