LONGANNET in Fife has been selected by Spanish train builder Talgo as the site for its proposed UK factory.
The location is currently occupied by a closed power station, and has been chosen as it is rail-connected, close to sea ports at Grangemouth and Rosyth, and in a region with a good supply of skilled workers.
The announcement on November 14 also included the news Talgo plans to build a dedicated ‘innovation centre’ in Chesterfield.
Up to 1,000 people could be employed at Longannet if the £40million factory goes ahead. Construction could begin in February 2020, and the first trains rolling out within 18 months.
Talgo is one of five bidders shortlisted for the £2.75billion HS2 train contract and is also talking to bidders for the next East Midlands and West Coast franchises.
It also has its eye on future new train contracts in the UK, as fleets increase by between 40% and 85% over the next 30 years.
Talgo also plans to export rail vehicles and components from Longannet to ‘emerging markets’ overseas as its factories in Spain are at full capacity. The 70,000sq m factory will utilise part of the current power station site and include a test track.
Read more in the December issue of The RM – on sale now!
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