Rail industry rallies behind Derby’s GBR bid

Train-maker Alstom is among the major names from the rail industry who have put their weight behind Derby’s bid to become the new home of Great British Railways.

A global leader in rail technology, the firm designs, builds and tests trains at its 84-acre site in Litchurch Lane.

A timely insight into its prowess for building trains is a recent episode of the BBC’s Inside the Factory programme.

Aired last week – and currently available to view on iPlayer – the show sees host Gregg Wallace visit Litchurch Lane to observe how Alstom designs, manufactures and tests its Aventra trains.

Speaking about Derby’s GBR bid, Michael Hulme, site engineering director at Alstom, said: “As the UK’s leading designer, builder and maintainer of trains, we’re proud to call Derby home.

“The city has been building trains for Britain and the world since 1839 and continues to do so today. We’re delighted to support the city’s bid.”

As well as major players like Alstom, Derby is home to a high concentration of SMEs involved in the rail industry.

Among them is Tidyco, which supplies hose assemblies to the rail industry.

The firm has recently been investing in its Derby site, with the opening of a new rail overhaul facility.

The facility was officially opened by former Transport Secretary Lord Patrick McLoughlin, who said: “Tidyco is a great example of a UK SME quietly going about its business supporting the UK railway.”

Recently, the firm took to social media to show its support for Derby’s GBR bid.

It said: “Derby is the rail capital, so it makes sense for the GBR HQ to be here.”

To vote for Derby’s bid to become the new home of GBR click here.