Talgo has devised a detailed long-term industrial plan which includes the construction of a plant in the UK and the creation a fully localized supply chain. The plan was announced by company’s president Carlos Palacio during several industry meetings and is part of a bigger-scale strategy to offer a full spectrum of rail solutions in the British Isles, ranging from the supply of high-speed rolling stock to full vehicle overhaul services. The company has already visited potential places around Leeds and Liverpool.
To find the perfect spot in case it gets awarded supply contracts now being tendered, the company is analysing a dozen locations in the UK and has already engaged in formal contacts with local authorities and key interest groups from the districts concerned, as well as with MPs elected in those very same zones which could be interested to host the plant.
The company expects the new facility to create hundreds of highly-skilled jobs and to spur the development of local talent which could then be used not only to supply the UK and Irish rail markets with latest-generation trains but also to enforce Talgo’s global operations by tapping the renowned British components industry.
The company sees the UK market with its increasingly challenging demand for more capacity and a passenger-focused rail offering as a level playing field in which its vehicles could take a crucial role, as the company’s current portfolio includes not only world-class very high-speed trains but also regional and commuter vehicles ready to maximize train operating companies profit and to minimize subsidies from taxpayers.
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