Alstom Opens New Overhaul and Repair Facility at Crewe Works Site
Alstom has announced the official opening of its new train component overhaul and repair facility at its Crewe Works site.
Alstom has announced the official opening of its new train component overhaul and repair facility at its Crewe Works site.
The site has received a new area for refurbishment heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, as well as a suite of new offices as part of a multi-million GBP investment for the site.
Newly-installed equipment at the site enables trains’ HVAC units to be inspected before being regassed and brazed, with a full overhaul and repair.
The site’s new bespoke test cells also enable climatic chamber examinations via the replication of various onboard conditions the systems might experience during regular passenger service.
Before the site upgrades were implemented; Crewe Works was able to process roughly 16 HVAC units per week, with new facilities now enabling the site to double its processing potential to 35, with expectations to reach 50 by January once the HVAC area has been further expanded in order to meet demand.
Seventy new roles have been created to operate the facility, with the number set to rise to around 110 in the New Year.
Currently, operatives are overhauling HVAC units on Class 334, Class 375, Class 377, Class 387 and Class 390 trains, with work on Class 222 and Class 378 trains set to follow in 2026.
Steve Harvey, Services Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said:
As the UK’s leading supplier of train services, we’re proud to have invested more than £2 million in new technology and offices at Crewe Works. This expansion not only futureproofs our operations but also enables us to better serve customers across the country with enhanced capacity and capability.
Crewe has played a pivotal role in Britain’s rail history and this latest development will ensure it remains at the heart of train maintenance in the UK. We’re excited about the opportunities this creates – it’s a landmark investment in both technology and talent.
Alongside its new HVAC Area; the Crewe Works site also houses Alstom’s UK Centre of Excellence for Bogie, Wheel and Traction Motor Overhaul, which has overhauled 20,000 bogies for the UK rail market during the last ten years.
The site has also been contracted to produce bogies for HS2 rolling stock – marking the first time in almost two decades they have been manufactured in the UK.
Alstom has also partnered with Woodhouse to undertake a full refurbishment of its General Office space within the Crewe Works site. Woodhouse has developed a new design for the 20,000 square foot space that aims to support Alstom’s long-term growth plans.
A new mezzanine level has been installed, whilst the ground floor features an open-plan office, additional meeting spaces and a reception area.
Ralph Dummer, Project Director at Woodhouse, said:
It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside the team at Alstom to delivery this inspiring, future-ready workspace that reflects the company’s values and vision.
Finally, Crewe Works is set to serve as a lynchpin of a new episode of 5’s documentary series ‘Britain’s Most Scenic Counties: Cheshire’, with viewers set to be given insight into the work involved in the carrying out of bogie overhaul on Friday 7 November.
